After getting carted off the field due to a collision with a Tampa Bay Rays base runner, the Atlanta Braves got the worst-case scenario for left-hander Joey Wentz. According to MLB.com’s Mark Bowman, Wentz will miss the entire 2026 season with a torn ACL.

Wentz, 26, was competing for a spot in the starting rotation. However, he will join the Braves’ other injured pitchers on the injured list for this season. Right-handers Spencer Schwellenbach (elbow) and Hurston Waldrep (shoulder) are both on the 60-day injured list. Wentz was selected off waivers by the Braves from the Minnesota Twins organization in July, and went 3-6 with a 4.92 ERA in 14 games (13 starts) after getting called up.

Sep 26, 2025; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves pitcher Joey Wentz (33) pitches the ball against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the second inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Godfree-Imagn Images
Joey Wentz Out for Season, Braves Must Add Another Starter

Wentz’s absence all of 2026 makes the Braves desperate for another starting pitcher. Left-hander Chris Sale and right-hander Spencer Strider have had their fair share of injuries, which means others on the 40-man roster need to step up.

Joey Wentz will miss the season with a torn ACL

— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) March 9, 2026

Right-handers Reynaldo Lopez, Grant Holmes, and Bryce Elder will be counted on to eat as many innings as they can. However, the Braves are limited in options to eat the innings necessary to get through a 162-game season. This means a free agent signing or trade is in order. Right-hander Lucas Giolito and left-hander Nestor Cortes are available as free agents, but a trade could also be in play.

Within the National League East, the Braves could trade for right-hander Sandy Alcantara. The former Cy Young Award winner has a $17.3 million club option for next season with the Miami Marlins. The Braves would be buying low on Alcantara, who, like Strider, is two years removed from Tommy John surgery.

A two-time All-Star (2019 and 2022) would slide in perfectly behind Sale and give the Braves another ace. Alcantara would likely cost one top 100 prospect and one player off the big league roster.

The Braves need to make a move in case more starters wind up injured, which seems to keep happening.

 

Main Photo Credit: © Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images