NORTH PORT, Fla. — Atlanta Braves left-handed pitcher Joey Wentz will miss the entire 2026 season after suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his right knee, the team announced Monday. The injury occurred during a spring training game against the Tampa Bay Rays on Sunday, marking a significant setback for both Wentz and the Braves’ pitching rotation.
Initial hopes that the injury might not be severe were dashed after further testing revealed the extent of the damage. Wentz sustained the injury although attempting to cover first base and collided with Rays batter Taylor Walls after a bunt, according to reports from The Washington Post and MRT.com. The incident occurred in the fifth inning of the exhibition game.
The injury is the latest in a string of pitching woes for the Braves as they prepare for the upcoming season. Spencer Schwellenbach and Hurston Waldrep have already been placed on the 60-day injured list following elbow surgeries to address “loose bodies,” according to the Associated Press. These setbacks create increased competition for remaining spots in the starting rotation.
Wentz, 28, was vying for a position in the Braves’ rotation after posting a 5-7 record with a 5.60 ERA across three teams last season. He made 14 appearances with the Braves, including 13 as a starter, finishing with a 3-6 record and a 4.92 ERA, as detailed on Baseball-Reference.com. His versatility made him a valuable asset during spring training.
Wentz’s Career Trajectory
Prior to joining the Braves, Wentz has played for four Major League Baseball teams: the Detroit Tigers, Minnesota Twins, and Pittsburgh Pirates, in addition to Atlanta. Throughout his career, he has accumulated 290 strikeouts, including 92 last season, according to Baseball-Reference.com. He signed a one-year, $900,000 contract for the 2026 season.
The injury to Wentz adds further complexity to the Braves’ pitching plans. The team will now necessitate to rely on depth and explore options to fill the void left by Wentz, Schwellenbach, and Waldrep. The Rays won the exhibition contest 9-8, scoring two runs in the bottom of the eighth inning, but the focus remains on the health of the Braves’ pitching staff as they approach the start of the regular season, as reported by news-usa.today.
Impact on the Braves’ Rotation
The Braves’ pitching rotation was already facing challenges before Wentz’s injury. Schwellenbach and Waldrep’s surgeries created openings, and Wentz was considered a strong contender to fill one of those spots. Now, the team will likely turn to other prospects and veteran pitchers to bolster their rotation. The extent of the impact will depend on the performance of those vying for the remaining positions.
Wentz entered Sunday’s game as a reliever in the fifth inning with two outs and a runner on third when Walls reached first base. He cautiously stepped onto the bag and collided with Walls, leading to the injury. The Braves will re-evaluate Wentz’s condition to determine a potential recovery timeline.
The Braves have not yet announced a timeline for Wentz’s surgery or rehabilitation. ACL recovery typically takes 9-12 months, meaning Wentz is unlikely to return to the mound until well into the 2027 season. The team will provide updates as they become available.
What comes next for the Braves is a period of reassessment, and adjustment. The team will need to identify and develop pitching options to navigate the challenges presented by these injuries. The performance of the remaining pitchers in spring training will be crucial in determining the final composition of the rotation as the Braves prepare for the 2026 season.
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