Joey Wentz

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Joey Wentz
Joey Wentz (51328032660) (cropped).jpg
Wentz with the Erie SeaWolves in 2021
Detroit Tigers – No. 43
Pitcher
Born: (1997-10-06) October 6, 1997 (age 24)
Leawood, Kansas
Bats: Left
Throws: Left

Joseph Barrett Wentz (born October 6, 1997) is an American professional baseball pitcher in the Detroit Tigers organization. The Atlanta Braves selected Wentz with the 40th overall pick in the 2016 MLB draft.

Early life[]

Wentz was born on October 6, 1997 to Dave and Jenny Wentz. He first met Riley Pint in second grade, and the two became friends.[1]

Wentz attended Shawnee Mission East High School in Prairie 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 Junior Home Run Derby at the 2015 Major League Baseball All-Star Game, hitting one home run that traveled 543 feet (166 m).[3][4]

Professional career[]

Wentz committed to the University of Virginia.[5][6] He had been scouted by Major League Baseball (MLB) teams prior to the 2016 MLB draft.[7] Considered a likely first round pick,[8] the Atlanta 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 the Gulf Coast Braves of the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League and was later promoted to the Danville Braves of the Rookie-level Appalachian League. He finished the 2016 season with a 1–4 win-loss record, 3.68 earned run average, and 53 strikeouts in 44 innings pitched. Wentz spent 2017 with the Rome Braves, posting an 8–3 record with a 2.60 ERA in 26 starts,[11] and 2018 with the Florida Fire Frogs where he was 3–4 with a 2.28 ERA in 16 starts.[12]

On July 31, 2019, the Braves traded Wentz and Travis Demeritte to the Detroit Tigers in exchange for Shane Greene.[13] In his first full season at the AA level, Wentz went 7–8 with a 4.20 ERA and 137 strikeouts in 128+2⁄3 innings. The Tigers added him to their 40-man roster after the 2020 season.[14] He had Tommy John surgery in March 2020 and missed the season. He was optioned to Triple-A to begin the 2021 season. Working his way back from surgery, Wentz pitched a total of 18 games at the A and AA levels, posting an 0–7 record with a 5.25 ERA and 82 strikeouts in 72 innings.

References[]

  1. ^ Scoby, Ashley (May 5, 2016). "National baseball spotlight converges on two KC-area high school pitching friends". Kansas City Star. Retrieved June 15, 2016.
  2. ^ "Joey Wentz repeats as Sunflower League Player of the Year; All-League teams packed with Lancers". May 16, 2016. Retrieved June 9, 2016.
  3. ^ "SM East baseball star Joey Wentz invited to All-American game at Wrigley, Junior Home Run Derby at MLB All-Star Game". June 29, 2015. Retrieved June 9, 2016.
  4. ^ "SM East High School student comes home power hitting hero after Junior Home Run Derby". July 14, 2015. Retrieved June 9, 2016.
  5. ^ "Just 16, SM East's Joey Wentz commits to play for UVA's national runner-up baseball team". September 16, 2014. Retrieved June 9, 2016.
  6. ^ "ALL-USA Watch: Joey Wentz has been Dr. No for No. 14 Shawnee Mission East (Kan.) baseball". April 26, 2016. Retrieved June 9, 2016.
  7. ^ Kornacki, Karen (12 May 2016). "Shawnee Mission East pitcher attracts pro attention". Retrieved June 9, 2016.
  8. ^ "Kansas high school pitchers Riley Pint, Joey Wentz likely first-round picks". Retrieved June 9, 2016.
  9. ^ Palmer, Tod (June 9, 2016). "SM East's Joey Wentz is selected by Atlanta Braves in MLB Draft". Kansas City Star. Retrieved June 15, 2016.
  10. ^ Bowman, Mark (June 14, 2016). "Wentz among Braves' 3 high Draft pick signings". MLB.com. Retrieved June 15, 2016.
  11. ^ "Joey Wentz Stats, Highlights, Bio - MiLB.com Stats - The Official Site of Minor League Baseball". Retrieved November 18, 2017.
  12. ^ "Joey Wentz Stats, Highlights, Bio - MiLB.com Stats - The Official Site of Minor League Baseball". MiLB.com. Retrieved October 15, 2018.
  13. ^ Dorsey, Russell (July 31, 2019). "Braves land relievers Greene, Melancon". MLB.com. Retrieved August 1, 2019.
  14. ^ "Detroit Tigers protect four important prospects from Rule 5 draft".

Further reading[]

External links[]

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