The San Diego Padres announced right-handed pitcher Bradgley Rodriguez will start Wednesday's series finale against the San Francisco Giants. RHP Bradgley Rodriguez will start for the Padres today in San Francisco. — San Diego Padres (@Padres) May 6, 2026 Right-handed pitcher Matt Waldron was initially expected to start the game. The reason for the change is currently unknown. According to Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune, Rodriguez is merely an opener for Waldron, who will still pitch on Wednesday. Since it's an early game, manager Craig Stammen won't be speaking to reporters beforehand to provide his reasoning for the change. Bradgley Rodriguez will open for the Padres today. Matt Waldron will pitch as well. — Kevin Acee (@sdutKevinAcee) May 6, 2026 The Padres have not used an opener strategy yet this season under first-year manager Craig Stammen.…