The Detroit Tigers own a double-digit lead in the American League Central, and it could create an interesting dynamic for the teams behind them going into the All-Star break. The Kansas City Royals, Cleveland Guardians, and Minnesota Twins are all within striking distance of the final Wild Card spot, but they may have to take a deep look to see if it’s really worth adding pieces at this year’s trade deadline.
Trimming the fat has already begun for one Tigers rival, and it has left a former Detroit pitcher kicked to the curb as his new team made a roster move on Wednesday morning.
Twins Designate Former Tigers Pitcher Joey Wentz for Assignment
The Twins announced that they have designated former Tigers left-hander Joey Wentz for assignment. Minnesota is making the move to recall fellow left-hander Anthony Misiewicz from Triple-A St. Paul, but the decision to boot Wentz off the roster is another chapter in a strange season.
Wentz began the season in the Pittsburgh Pirates organization but was designated for assignment after posting a 4.15 ERA and 1.38 WHIP in 26 innings (19 appearances). He was picked up by the Twins on waivers a few days later, but his time in Minnesota proved to be a disaster. In eight innings, Wentz posted a 15.75 ERA and allowed a run in five of his six appearances.
A former Atlanta Braves prospect, Wentz arrived in Detroit as part of a trade that sent reliever Shane Greene to Atlanta. While he went on to pitch just over two seasons with the Tigers, it led to a 5.81 ERA in 70 appearances (26 starts) and a designation for assignment before he was claimed by Pittsburgh midway through last season.
Wentz showed signs of turning it around, allowing two runs and a 1.00 WHIP in 12 innings after being traded last season. But the 27-year-old has come crashing down to earth with a 6.88 ERA in 25 combined appearances this season.
It’s unlikely that Misiewicz will head across the river and turn things around for the Twins, who are 14 games back of Detroit entering Wednesday. But it’s a move that could preclude a busy deadline if things don’t work out.