Ken

Waldichuk

The 28-year-old southpaw was acquired from the Braves in January, but the Rays attempted to slip him through waivers this week to remove him from their 40-man roster. Waldichuk struggled in his return from Tommy John surgery in 2025, but he’s intriguing enough that the Nationals felt he was worthy of a roster spot.

Waldichuk was acquired from the Braves last month after previously being waived by the A’s and claimed by Atlanta. He struggled mightily in his return from Tommy John last summer, with his velocity down about two mph, but he still might have some rotation potential if his stuff comes back.

Waldichuk represents an intriguing addition for Tampa Bay’s pitching development apparatus to sink their teeth into this spring. The 28-year-old former top prospect’s stuff hasn’t rebounded to pre-Tommy John surgery levels but he still offers some appeal as a potential swingman, capable of stepping into the starting rotation or gobbling up multiple innings out of the bullpen. He spent a couple weeks with the Braves after being jettisoned by the Athletics last month and hasn’t pitched in the big leagues since the 2023 campaign.

Waldichuk’s velocity was down about two mph as he returned from Tommy John surgery last summer, so the A’s left him in the minors and he went on to post an 8.65 ERA in 15 starts and one relief appearance in Triple-A. He looked like a potential middle-of-the-rotation arm when he debuted in 2022, and there’s the chance he’ll be stronger in his first full year back. The Braves figure to stick him in Triple-A and see what happens.

The Athletics needed a spot on the 40-man roster after acquiring Jeff McNeil, so Waldichuk was let go. The 27-year-old missed all of 2025 while recovering from Tommy John surgery, so it’s unlikely anybody will claim him on waivers. He will then decide if he wants to stay in the Athletics’ organization or try his luck elsewhere.

The financial terms for the deal are not yet available. Waldichuk missed all of 2025 while recovering from Tommy John surgery, and assuming good health, should be an option in the back of the A’s bullpen in 2026.

Waldichuk will remain stationed in the minors after wrapping up his lengthy rehabilitation process from last year’s Tommy John surgery. There’s a chance he gets an opportunity to contribute at some point in the second half.

If that batting practice session goes well, Waldichuk would be one step closer to beginning a rehab assignment. The left-hander missed all of last season with an elbow injury and had Tommy John surgery last May. He could be an option for the Athletics’ rotation or as a multi-inning reliever around the All-Star break.

Waldichuk used all of his pitches in the session and is scheduled to throw another bullpen on Saturday. The left-hander had Tommy John surgery last year and is targeting a return before the All-Star break. It remains to be seen what role the Athletics will use him in when he does return.

It’s merely a procedural move as Waldichuk continues his recovery from last May’s Tommy John surgery. He might be able to make it back before the end of the year, but that’s probably a stretch.