Atlanta Braves pitcher Joey Wentz has a torn right anterior cruciate ligament, confirmed by MRI on Monday after a collision in a spring training game. The injury adds to the team's mounting rotation woes, following procedures for Spencer Schwellenbach and Hurston Waldrep. Manager Walt Weiss expressed sympathy for Wentz while highlighting opportunities for others like Martín Pérez.
In North Port, Florida, the Atlanta Braves' pitching staff faced another setback on Monday when imaging revealed that Joey Wentz has a torn right anterior cruciate ligament. The injury occurred Sunday morning during a spring training game, when Wentz collided with Tampa Bay Rays infielder Taylor Walls while fielding a play at first base. Wentz was carted off the field, and initial tests had raised hopes, but the MRI results dashed those expectations.
Braves manager Walt Weiss commented on the news, saying, “I feel bad for the kid more than anything else. I told him, 'You never know what this is going to lead to. You come back and maybe you're stronger than ever from the rehab and it turns your career around. You’ve got to stay positive and in these moments.'” Weiss added, “I don't think anybody, even Joey, was expecting that news from the MRI. It’s terrible for the kid.”
This development exacerbates the Braves' injury challenges early in camp. Spencer Schwellenbach, a projected No. 2 or No. 3 starter, requires surgery to remove bone spurs from his right elbow. Hurston Waldrep, a promising young right-hander, will miss at least two months following an elbow cleanup procedure, both announced in February.
Wentz had been in contention for a role as a sixth starter or swingman. His absence opens the door for veteran Martín Pérez, who signed a Minor League deal and has impressed with one run allowed over five innings in two spring appearances. Pérez, 34, earned an All-Star nod with the Rangers in 2022 but struggled last year with the White Sox due to injuries, posting a 3.54 ERA in 11 appearances.
The season-opening rotation is expected to feature Chris Sale, Spencer Strider, Reynaldo López, Grant Holmes, and Bryce Elder. Pérez is now a leading candidate for the sixth starter spot, especially with 13 straight games to open the season. Weiss praised Pérez, noting, “I love the fact that Martín's in our camp, the guy can still really pitch.”
Despite the losses, Weiss remained optimistic: “I still feel good about our team. We've lost some good players already, but I still feel really good about our club.” The Braves may accelerate the development of prospect JR Ritchie, their No. 2 overall, who has shown promise in spring outings.
