ST. PETERSBURG, FL – MAY 06: Patrick Corbin #46 of the Toronto Blue Jays leaves the field during the game between the Toronto Blue Jays and the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field on Wednesday, May 6, 2026 in St. Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Alex Zadorozny/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
MLB Photos via Getty Images
The Toronto Blue Jays were among the busiest clubs leading up to the trade deadline, reshaping their major league roster for the present and the future as they both bought and sold veteran talent. But, evidently, the front office wasn’t finished making significant moves once the deadline passed.
On Wednesday, Toronto added another arm with an unusual skill set while simultaneously creating roster space by officially moving a former All-Star pitcher to the 60-day injured list.
Toronto Blue Jays Add Unique San Diego Padres Talent Days After Trade Deadline
The Blue Jays acquired right-handed knuckleballer Matt Waldron off waivers from the San Diego Padres after he was designated for assignment.
“The Blue Jays claimed righty Matt Waldron off waivers from the Padres,” Steve Adams wrote for MLB Trade Rumors. “Lefty Patrick Corbin was transferred from the 15-day injured list to the 60-day injured list to open a 40-man roster spot.”
The move gives Toronto a completely new look for its pitching staff as Waldron is a one-of-one talent at the moment.
“In claiming Waldron, the Jays are adding the only active knuckleballer in the sport,” Adams added. “About 29% of his pitches this season — and nearly 36% of his career pitches in the majors — have been knucklers.”
Toronto Blue Jays Move Former All-Star To Clear Space For Unique Pitcher
Although Waldron has struggled in the majors this season with San Diego, his recent work at Triple-A suggests there could still be untapped upside for Toronto’s pitching development staff.
“He’s excelled at Triple-A … posting a 1.33 ERA in eight appearances, all starts, with an even 1.000 WHIP,” Sportsnet reported. “The Omaha, Neb., native has a 5.19 ERA and 1.327 WHIP in 46 major-league games (36 starts) over his four seasons in MLB, all of which were spent with the Padres.”
The corresponding roster move involving Corbin also reflects the reality of Toronto’s injury situation. Corbin, a two-time All-Star who was signed to fill in for some early season rotation injuries, was sidelined with a shoulder injury last month. His transfer to the 60-day injured list simply clears the necessary 40-man roster space for Waldron’s arrival rather than signaling a new injury.
For the Blue Jays, Waldron represents a low-risk post-deadline addition with intriguing upside. Toronto can control the 29-year-old beyond this season if he develops into a useful contributor, but the immediate priority will be giving the injury-riddled pitching staff another capable depth option. Whether he ultimately settles into the bullpen or earns another opportunity to start, the Blue Jays are betting that baseball’s lone active knuckleballer can provide valuable innings during the final stretch of the season.