While the Detroit Tigers have started a bit slowly coming out of the All-Star break, the team can afford a stumble or two. The Tigers spent the first half of the season building an incredible division lead, giving the organization time to survive a cold streak.
With this in mind, it isn't yet time to show any concern for a team that has clearly established itself as among the best in baseball.
While Saturday's game for the Tigers ended in frustration, a look around the league did provide an interesting storyline: former Detroit lefty Joey Wentz has found a new landing spot in Atlanta.
Former Tigers Starter Joey Wentz Flashes Potential in New Landing Spot
This is where the lefty first started his career before being dealt to the Tigers as part of a package for reliever Shane Greene. Detroit gave Wentz every chance to win a role in the rotation or bullpen.
Consistently, the results devolved, and the franchise has no choice but to attempt to turn the page. Similar stories would play out with the Pittsburgh Pirates and Minnesota Twins reaching the exact same conclusion.
However, Wentz continued to earn chances, landing with one of the league's worst teams in Atlanta. The Braves are in the middle of a miserable season, missing the majority of their rotation after dealing with a series of injuries.
After spending time in the bullpen, Wentz is no longer the starting option the Braves were looking for. Still, the level of desperation from Atlanta offered Wentz the opportunity to stretch out as a starter while an active member of the roster.
The former Tiger has responded by tossing a combined 7.0 shutout innings in two starts with his new organization. Wentz last started on Saturday, going 4.0 innings against an impressive New York Yankees lineup. Shutting down this level of offense was surprising for a player whom the Tigers gave up long ago.
It is a fun story and one Detroit fans will keep an eye on as Wentz continues his attempts to establish himself at the next level. While things didn't work out with the Tigers, there is no ill will for the lefty. Perhaps the second time around in Atlanta will prove to be the elusive fit Wentz has needed to put his career back on track.