Braves’ Joey Wentz to Miss 2026 Season After Torn ACL

Atlanta Braves left-hander Joey Wentz will miss the entire 2026 season after tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee, the team announced in early March 2026. Wentz had been competing for a role in the rotation or bullpen; the injury removes him from the picture for the full year and adds to a Braves pitching staff already dealing with Spencer Schwellenbach and Hurston Waldrep each requiring elbow surgery to remove loose bodies.

Wentz, 27, was acquired by the Braves in a 2019 trade that sent Shane Greene to Detroit and had seen time as a starter and reliever. The ACL tear is a significant setback for his career trajectory and for Atlanta’s depth. The Braves have been active in adding arms—including Chris Sale (extension) and Jonah Heim—but losing Wentz for the full season further tightens the margin for the rotation and long relief.

For AthX users, Wentz was a depth name rather than a headline portfolio piece; his absence does not directly move the needle on dynamic pricing for star players, but it underscores the volatility of pitching depth and the importance of tracking injury news when building or adjusting portfolios. Focus remains on Atlanta’s frontline arms and everyday players for share value.

*Sources: MLB Trade Rumors – Joey Wentz To Miss 2026 Season Due To Torn ACL. Fact-checked March 6, 2026.*