The 2025 MLB season has been a rollercoaster for several former Detroit Tigers players, who are looking to find a stable opportunity across the majors.
Left-handed reliever Joey Wentz is one of those ex-Tigers who has had his fair share of ups and downs this season. Wentz, who spent three seasons in the Motor City, started the year with the Pittsburgh Pirates.
It was the ex-Tigers’ second season with the Pirates, but after a rough start, they kicked him to the curb on Jun. 7. Wentz didn’t have to wait long for another opportunity, as the Minnesota Twins signed him four days later.
However, that didn’t work out either for the southpaw, who was sent packing by the Tigers’ rival earlier this week.
After failing in two spots, one wondered if Wentz was going to be gifted a third chance. Well, luckily for him, an NL club, which has failed to meet expectations, will give him an opportunity before the All-Star Break.
Ex-Tigers Pitcher Joey Wentz Joins Atlanta Braves
On Friday, the 27-year-old Wentz was surprisingly claimed off waivers by the Braves. Atlanta decided to push Kevin Herget aside to make room for the former Tigers reliever.
The #Braves today claimed LHP Joey Wentz off waivers from the Minnesota Twins and designated RHP Kevin Herget for assignment.
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) July 11, 2025
The veteran pitcher will try to get back on track with the Braves, who drafted him with the 40th overall pick in the 2016 MLB Amateur Draft. Wentz never appeared in a regular-season game with the Braves, who traded the former first-round pick and Travis Demeritte to the Tigers for Shane Greene.
This season, the Braves have one of the better bullpens in the National League with a 3.55 ERA. However, given the injury that Atlanta has gone through in their starting rotation, he could be used for multiple innings if necessary.
In his most recent stint with the Twins, the ex-Tigers pitcher was not very good, posting a 15.75 ERA across six relief appearances. He allowed 17 hits, 14 earned runs, nine walks, and three home runs, while only striking out six in eight innings.
Opponents were also hitting a scorching .436 at the plate when Wentz was on the mound, so it's not surprising that the Twins quickly moved off former Tiger. It will be interesting to see if Wentz can finally stick with a team, or if he’ll be looking for another opportunity this time next month.