Braves pitcher Joey Wentz tears ACL in spring training, ending his 2026 season.

Atlanta Braves left-handed pitcher Joey Wentz will miss the entire 2026 season after tearing his right ACL during a spring training game against the Tampa Bay Rays. The injury occurred on Sunday when Wentz collided with batter Taylor Walls while covering first base on a bunt play. Initial assessments suggested a minor injury, but an MRI confirmed the ACL tear, ending his season. Wentz, 28, had been competing for a starting rotation spot and posted a 4.92 ERA in 13 starts and one relief appearance for Atlanta during the 2025 season. His absence adds to the Braves’ growing rotation issues, as pitchers Spencer Schwellenbach and Hurston Waldrep were already placed on the 60-day injured list due to elbow surgery. The team has not announced a replacement and faces challenges in bolstering its pitching depth ahead of Opening Day.