The April 23, 2026, matinee at Coors Field offers a final divisional clash between the San Diego Padres and the Colorado Rockies. With the Padres looking to solidify their early-season lead in the NL West and the Rockies struggling to find consistency at the bottom of the division, the spotlight falls on a fascinating pitching matchup between knuckleballer Matt Waldron and right-hander Ryan Feltner.+1
The Pitching Breakdown
Matt Waldron (SDP): Waldron enters this start looking for redemption after a disastrous 2026 debut where he surrendered six runs in less than four innings against the Angels. However, his peculiar arsenal makes him a unique threat at Coors Field. Waldron’s knuckleball—which he throws roughly 50% of the time—is historically less affected by the thin Denver air than traditional breaking balls that rely on air resistance to “bite.” If Waldron can command his knuckler early and force the Rockies into weak contact, he has the potential to navigate the high-altitude environment better than a standard power pitcher.
Ryan Feltner (COL): Feltner has been a microcosm of the Rockies’ rotation: flashes of brilliance marred by significant inconsistency. He currently holds a 6.00 ERA through four starts, plagued by a high home run rate (5 HR in 18.0 IP). Feltner’s primary challenge is his reliance on a high-velocity four-seamer that often flattens out at Coors, making it a prime target for the Padres’ power-heavy middle order. To survive tonight, Feltner must utilize his slider more effectively to keep San Diego’s hitters off-balance.
Best Bets for April 23
1. San Diego Padres Moneyline (-150) The Padres hold a distinct advantage in nearly every statistical category. San Diego’s offense ranks in the top five in the National League for “Expected Slugging” against right-handed pitching, and they have already dominated this series. While Coors Field is always a high-variance environment, the Padres’ superior bullpen depth—led by a relief corps with a top-tier strand rate—gives them a massive edge if the game remains close into the 7th inning.
2. Over 11.5 Total Runs (-110) When Matt Waldron is on the mound, “chaos” is the operative word. If his knuckleball isn’t dancing, the Rockies’ bats will have an easy afternoon. Conversely, Ryan Feltner’s struggle with home run suppression suggests the Padres’ stars like Fernando Tatis Jr. and Manny Machado are in a “smash spot.” Given the history of high-scoring matinees in Denver, betting on a double-digit run total is the most logical play.
3. Total Bases: Fernando Tatis Jr. Over 1.5 (-135) Tatis Jr. has historically feasted on Ryan Feltner, boasting a career slugging percentage north of .600 against the Rockies’ righty. Feltner’s tendency to leave fastballs in the heart of the zone plays directly into Tatis’s elite barrel rate. Expect at least one extra-base hit from the Padres’ superstar as he looks to exploit the favorable park dimensions.
The Sharp Edge: Watch for Waldron’s knuckleball velocity. If he is sitting between 76–78 mph early, it typically indicates better control and movement. If the velocity spikes or drops significantly, the “Over” becomes an even stronger play.
Baseball Best Bets 