Joey Wentz
Joey Wentz | |
---|---|
Detroit Tigers – No. 43 | |
Pitcher | |
Born: Lawrence, Kansas, U.S. | October 6, 1997|
Bats: Left Throws: Left | |
MLB debut | |
May 11, 2022, for the Detroit Tigers | |
MLB statistics (through April 8, 2024) | |
Win–loss record | 5–15 |
Earned run average | 5.83 |
Strikeouts | 131 |
Teams | |
|
Joseph Barrett Wentz (born October 6, 1997) is an American professional
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
Atlanta Braves
Wentz committed to the
Detroit Tigers
On July 31, 2019, the Braves traded Wentz and Travis Demeritte to the Detroit Tigers in exchange for Shane Greene.[12] 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.[13] 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.
On May 11, 2022, Wentz was recalled and promoted to the major leagues for the first time to start against the Oakland Athletics.[14]
In his third start for the Tigers on September 9, 2022, Wentz earned his first major league win against the Kansas City Royals, allowing no runs in 6+2⁄3 innings while striking out five.[15]
In 2023, Wentz pitched in 25 games (19 starts), going 3–13 with a 6.90 ERA in 105.2 innings.
References
- ^ Scoby, Ashley (May 5, 2016). "National baseball spotlight converges on two KC-area high school pitching friends". Kansas City Star. Retrieved June 15, 2016.
- ^ Senter, Jay (May 16, 2016). "Joey Wentz repeats as Sunflower League Player of the Year; All-League teams packed with Lancers". Shawnee Mission Post. Retrieved June 9, 2016.
- ^ Senter, Jay (June 29, 2015). "SM East baseball star Joey Wentz invited to All-American game at Wrigley, Junior Home Run Derby at MLB All-Star Game". Shawnee Mission Post. Retrieved June 9, 2016.
- ^ McDowell, Sean (July 14, 2015). "SM East High School student comes home power hitting hero after Junior Home Run Derby". FOX4KC. Retrieved June 9, 2016.
- ^ Senter, Jay (September 16, 2014). "Just 16, SM East's Joey Wentz commits to play for UVA's national runner-up baseball team". Shawnee Mission Post. Retrieved June 9, 2016.
- ^ Halley, Jim (April 26, 2016). "ALL-USA Watch: Joey Wentz has been Dr. No for No. 14 Shawnee Mission East (Kan.) baseball". USA TODAY High School Sports. Retrieved June 9, 2016.
- ^ Kornacki, Karen (May 12, 2016). "Shawnee Mission East pitcher attracts pro attention". Retrieved June 9, 2016.
- ^ Chadwick, Joanna (May 5, 2016). "Kansas high school pitchers Riley Pint, Joey Wentz likely first-round picks". Kansas.com. Retrieved June 9, 2016.
- ^ 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.
- ^ Bowman, Mark (June 14, 2016). "Wentz among Braves' 3 high Draft pick signings". MLB.com. Retrieved June 15, 2016.
- ^ a b "Joey Wentz Stats, Fantasy & News". MiLB.com. Retrieved July 12, 2023.
- ^ Dorsey, Russell (July 31, 2019). "Braves land relievers Greene, Melancon". MLB.com. Retrieved August 1, 2019.
- ^ Petzold, Evan (November 20, 2020). "Detroit Tigers protect four important prospects from Rule 5 draft". Detroit Free Press. Retrieved July 11, 2023.
- ^ "Tigers' Joey Wentz: Joining big-league roster". CBSSports.com. May 11, 2022. Retrieved February 7, 2023.
- ^ McCosky, Chris (September 9, 2022). "Homecoming King: KC native Joey Wentz earns first big-league win vs. his boyhood team". Lancaster Online. Retrieved September 12, 2022.
Further reading
- Ljunglad, Tommy; Sugg, Rich (May 5, 2016). "Joey Wentz, standout pitcher at Shawnee Mission East". Kansas City Star. Retrieved July 11, 2023.
External links
- Career statistics and player information from MLB, or ESPN, or Baseball Reference, or Fangraphs, or Baseball Reference (Minors), or Retrosheet