Braves Lose Starting Pitcher For Season After Torn ACL

The Atlanta Braves have suffered another blow to their pitching depth before the 2026 season even begins. 

Left-hander Joey Wentz will miss the entire year after being diagnosed with a torn ACL in his right knee, an injury that occurred during a spring training game.

Wentz went down while covering first base on a bunt attempt and had to be carted off the field. Initial reports suggested the injury might not be serious, but further testing confirmed the worst-case scenario. 

The 28-year-old pitcher will now spend the entire 2026 campaign recovering, leaving the Braves without a key depth option in their rotation.

Joey Wentz Injury Adds to Braves’ Pitching Problems

The Braves were already dealing with multiple setbacks on the mound, as Spencer Schwellenbach and Hurston Waldrep both required elbow procedures earlier in spring training and are expected to miss significant time.

Joey Wentz will miss the season with a torn ACL

— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) March 9, 2026

Wentz had been firmly in the mix for a rotation spot heading into the season. After joining the Braves on waivers last year, he made 13 starts and one relief appearance, posting a 4.92 ERA while showing flashes of league-average strikeout and walk rates. 

Atlanta valued his performance enough to bring him back on a $900,000 contract for 2026, hoping he could compete for a larger role.

Braves Now Scrambling for Rotation Depth

With Wentz sidelined for the year, the Braves suddenly find themselves even thinner in the rotation. 

Chris Sale, Spencer Strider, Reynaldo Lopez, and Grant Holmes were already projected to hold down four spots, leaving pitchers like Bryce Elder and Jose Suarez battling for the final role.

#Braves LHP Joey Wentz just suffered a knee injury on a collision with a runner at first base. He's being carted off the field. The latest pitching injury of the Spring, further depleting Atlanta's rotation depth.

— Grant McAuley (@grantmcauley) March 8, 2026

Now, Atlanta may have to lean on younger arms such as JR Ritchie or explore veteran options still available in free agency. 

The front office had shown little urgency to add pitching depth earlier in spring, but losing Wentz for the entire season could force a rethink as Opening Day approaches.

For Wentz, the injury is a brutal setback just as he had a real opportunity to carve out a permanent role in Atlanta’s pitching staff.

Photo Credit: Jordan Godfree-Imagn Images