Braves Left-Hander Joey Wentz to Miss 2026 Season with ACL Tear, Profar Suspension Complicates Outfield Depth

Atlanta Braves left-hander Joey Wentz will miss the entire 2026 season after suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his right knee, MLB Trade Rumors reported on March 9, 2026. The injury occurred during a bunt attempt in yesterday’s game, initially appearing less severe before further testing revealed the extent of the damage.

Wentz’s Injury and Impact on Rotation

Wentz, 28, was claimed off waivers by the Braves in July of last year and quickly became a part of the team’s rotation, making 13 starts and one relief appearance. He posted a 4.92 ERA with a 23% strikeout rate and an 8.3% walk rate. He agreed to a $900,000 salary for the 2026 season in November, avoiding arbitration as a Super Two player.

The injury further strains a Braves rotation already dealing with setbacks. Spencer Schwellenbach and Hurston Waldrep recently underwent surgery to remove loose bodies from their elbows, sidelining them for months. Prior to these injuries, the projected rotation included Chris Sale, Spencer Strider, Reynaldo López, and Grant Holmes, with Wentz, Bryce Elder, and José Suarez competing for the final spot.

Jurickson Profar’s Suspension and Financial Implications

The timing of Wentz’s injury is complicated by outfielder Jurickson Profar’s recent placement on the restricted list due to a positive test for a performance-enhancing drug (PED). MLB.com confirms Profar’s suspension. This development, though, has created some financial flexibility for the Braves, as Profar will not be paid his $15 million salary this year, resulting in an estimated $18 million in savings including tax benefits.

Braves’ Options for Rotation Depth

Despite the financial relief from Profar’s suspension, the Braves have shown limited interest in pursuing external pitching options thus far. They reportedly weren’t heavily involved in pursuing Chris Bassitt (now with the Orioles) or Lucas Giolito. Zack Littell recently agreed to a deal with the Nationals, further limiting available options.

The Braves’ current depth options include Didier Fuentes, JR Ritchie, Martín Pérez, Carlos Carrasco, and Elieser Hernández. Fuentes was promoted quickly last year and struggled in his initial big league starts. Ritchie is a promising prospect but lacks major league experience. Pérez, Carrasco, and Hernández are veteran pitchers who have not consistently performed at a high level recently.

Looking Ahead

Wentz’s injury is a significant setback for the left-hander, who was vying for a rotation spot. He will accrue a full year of service time while on the injured list but will likely turn into a non-tender candidate after the 2026 season. The Braves face a challenging situation as they navigate a series of pitching injuries and evaluate their options for filling out the rotation.