Braves LHP Joey Wentz to miss 2026 season after tearing ACL

NORTH PORT, Florida — One awkward step has price Atlanta Braves left-handed pitcher Joey Wentz the 2026 season.

The membership stated Monday that Wentz tore the ACL in his proper knee whereas overlaying first base in opposition to the Tampa Bay Rays on Sunday. There was preliminary hope that Wentz had averted critical damage, however additional testing revealed the ligament tear.

The damage is the newest setback for an Atlanta beginning rotation that you’ve already seen each Spencer Schwellenbach and Hurston Waldrep placed on the 60-day injured checklist after present process elbow surgical procedure to clear up “loose bodies” of their throwing elbows this spring.

The well-traveled, 28-year-old Wentz was supposed to be within the combine for a spot within the rotation. He posted a 5-7 file with a 5.60 ERA for 3 groups final season, together with a 3-6 mark with a 4.92 ERA in 14 appearances for the Braves (13 begins).

Wentz entered Sunday’s recreation as a reliever within the fifth inning and had two outs with a person on third when Tampa Bay’s Taylor Walls bunted. Wentz went to cowl first, stepped gingerly on the bag and collided with Walls.