| Joey Wentz | |
|---|---|
_(cropped).jpg) Wentz with theErie SeaWolves in 2021 | |
| Pittsburgh Pirates – No. 34 | |
| Pitcher | |
| Born: (1997-10-06)October 6, 1997 (age 27) Lawrence, Kansas, U.S. | |
Bats: Left Throws: Left | |
| MLB debut | |
| May 11, 2022, for the Detroit Tigers | |
| MLB statistics (through April 6, 2025) | |
| Win–loss record | 7–18 |
| Earned run average | 5.41 |
| Strikeouts | 205 |
Stats atBaseball Reference  | |
| Teams | |
| |
Joseph Barrett Wentz (born October 6, 1997) is an American professionalbaseballpitcher for thePittsburgh Pirates ofMajor League Baseball (MLB). He has previously played in MLB for theDetroit Tigers. TheAtlanta Braves selected Wentz with the 40th overall pick in the2016 MLB draft and traded him to the Tigers in 2019, with whom he made his MLB debut for in 2022.
Wentz was born on October 6, 1997, to Dave and Jenny Wentz. He first metRiley Pint in second grade, and the two became friends.[1]
Wentz attendedShawnee Mission East High School inPrairie Village, Kansas. He was named the Sunflower League Player of the Year in 2015 and 2016, his junior and senior years.[2] Wentz won the 2015 JuniorHome Run Derby at the2015 Major League Baseball All-Star Game, hitting one home run that traveled 543 feet (166 m).[3][4]
Wentz committed to theUniversity of Virginia.[5][6] He had beenscouted byMajor League Baseball (MLB) teams prior to the2016 MLB draft.[7] Considered a likely first round pick,[8] theAtlanta Braves selected him in the first Competitive Balance round, with the 40th overall selection.[9] Wentz chose to sign with the Braves for $3.05 million rather than attend college.[10] Wentz started his career with theGulf Coast Braves of theRookie-levelGulf Coast League and was later promoted to theDanville Braves of the Rookie-levelAppalachian League. He finished the 2016 season with a 1–4win–loss record, 3.68earned run average, and 53strikeouts in 44innings pitched. Wentz spent 2017 with theRome Braves, posting an 8–3 record with a 2.60 ERA in 26 starts,[11] and 2018 with theFlorida Fire Frogs where he was 3–4 with a 2.28 ERA in 16 starts.[11]
On July 31, 2019, the Braves traded Wentz andTravis Demeritte to theDetroit Tigers in exchange forShane Greene.[12] In his first full season at the Double–A level, Wentz went 7–8 with a 4.20 ERA and 137 strikeouts in128+2⁄3 innings.
Wentz did not play in a game in 2020 due to the cancellation of the minor league season because of theCOVID-19 pandemic.[13] He did not participate in the Tigers' alternate training site during the year after undergoingTommy John surgery in March. On November 20, 2020, the Tigers added Wentz to their 40-man roster to protect him from theRule 5 draft.[14] He was optioned to the Triple–AToledo Mud Hens to begin the 2021 season. Working his way back from surgery, Wentz pitched a total of 18 games with the Single–ALakeland Flying Tigers and Double–AErie SeaWolves, posting an 0–7 record with a 5.25 ERA and 82 strikeouts in 72 innings.
On May 11, 2022, Wentz was recalled and promoted to the major leagues for the first time to start against theOakland Athletics.[15] In his third start for the Tigers on September 9, Wentz earned his first major league win against theKansas City Royals, allowing no runs in6+2⁄3 innings while striking out five.[16] In 2023, Wentz pitched in 25 games (19 starts), going 3–13 with a 6.90 ERA and 98 strikeouts across105+2⁄3 innings.
In 38 appearances for the Tigers in 2024, Wentz struggled to a 5.37 ERA with 60 strikeouts over55+1⁄3 innings pitched. Wentz wasdesignated for assignment by Detroit on August 30.[17]
On September 3, 2024, Wentz was claimed off waivers by thePittsburgh Pirates, due to being out of minor league options, he reported directly to the major league team.[18]