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Joey Wentz 2023 MLB Player Outlook: Opportunity Awaits in Decimated Tigers Rotation
2 years agoDetroit Tigers left-hander Joey Wentz underwent Tommy John surgery before his age-22 season in March of 2020, but his return to action has gone about as smoothly as possible. He turned in a 3.71 ERA and 24.9% K% across 13 starts at Double-A Erie in the 2021 season before reaching the big leagues at age 24 in the 2022 campaign. The 2016 first-round pick turned in a 3.03 ERA/3.54 FIP in his seven starts with the Tigers last season, although his 10.4% K-BB% left plenty to be desired. Wentz's time in the big leagues was cut short by a shoulder injury in Detroit, but he didn't show any ill effects in posting a 3.17 ERA in Triple-A. The left-hander should get a solid look this season with Casey Mize and Tarik Skubal out long-term and Spencer Turnbull returning from his own Tommy John procedure and likely facing an innings limit. However, control issues have reared their head in the past, and he only projects to possess a few swing-and-miss results at the MLB level. With Steamer projecting a 4.53 ERA and 9.2% K-BB% as part of a weak Tigers club, Wentz isn't a worthwhile investment at his current NFBC ADP of 645 despite the opportunity that awaits him in Detroit.
