Braves' Joey Wentz Suffers Leg Injury in Spring Training

Promising young pitcher's status uncertain after being carted off the field.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 9:19am

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A cubist-style painting depicting a baseball pitcher's throwing motion broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes in the Braves' team colors, conceptually representing the tension and energy of spring training.A cubist interpretation of a Braves pitcher's throwing motion captures the raw energy and tension of spring training.Atlanta Today

Atlanta Braves pitcher Joey Wentz, who was competing for a spot in the starting rotation, was carted off the field during a spring training game with an apparent leg injury, likely involving his knee. The initial reports suggested a potentially serious injury, but a subsequent update from the team indicated that Wentz has avoided a "serious" injury and maintained a "promising" initial diagnosis.

Why it matters

The Braves' starting pitching depth is already a concern, and Wentz's injury raises questions about the team's ability to maintain a strong rotation. Any setbacks to the pitching staff can have a significant impact on the team's performance in the highly competitive MLB.

The details

Wentz, a 24-year-old left-hander, was in the running for a spot in the Braves' starting rotation. The incident occurred during a spring training game, where Wentz was carted off the field with an apparent leg injury. The initial reports suggested a potentially serious injury, but a later update from Braves reporter Mark Bowman indicated that Wentz has avoided a "serious" injury and maintained a "promising" initial diagnosis.

  • The incident occurred during a spring training game on April 9, 2026.

The players

Joey Wentz

A 24-year-old left-handed pitcher for the Atlanta Braves who was competing for a spot in the starting rotation.

Mark Bowman

A reporter who covers the Atlanta Braves for MLB.com.

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What they’re saying

“Wentz has avoided a "serious" injury and maintained a "promising" initial diagnosis.”

— Mark Bowman, Braves Reporter

What’s next

The Braves will continue to monitor Wentz's recovery and provide updates on his status. The team's medical staff and coaching staff will work closely to ensure Wentz's safe and timely return to the field.

The takeaway

Wentz's injury exposes the Braves' need to fortify their pitching depth ahead of the season. Any setbacks to the pitching staff can have a significant impact on the team's performance in the highly competitive MLB.