Former Tigers top prospect lands back in AL Central after rival's waiver claim

Less than a year after the Detroit Tigers designated Joey Wentz for assignment, the southpaw is back in the American League Central division – this time, playing for the opposition.

The Minnesota Twins claimed Wentz off waivers from the Pittsburgh Pirates on Wednesday afternoon and moved right-hander Pablo López to the 60-day injured list while he recovers from a teres major strain. The Pirates had designated Wentz for assignment a few days earlier when they selected the contracts of catcher Brett Sullivan and righty reliever Isaac Mattson from Triple-A Indianapolis.

Wentz, who was selected by the Atlanta Braves with the 40th overall pick in the 2016 MLB Draft, is currently in his fourth Major League season. While still a top prospect in the Braves' farm system, he was dealt to the Tigers in 2019 as part of a trade for reliever Shane Greene. Wentz underwent Tommy John surgery the following year, ultimately delaying his big league debut with the Tigers until 2022.

Wentz began his Major League career as a starting pitcher, but he amassed a 6.90 ERA over 13 starts for the Tigers in 2023. This prompted a move to the bullpen, where he made 38 appearances for Detroit in 2024 before being designated for assignment at the end of August.

The Pirates grabbed Wentz off waivers for the final month of the 2024 campaign, and he pitched to a 1.50 ERA over eight relief appearances with Pittsburgh last season. His early performance in 2025 was less encouraging, however, and his 4.15 ERA wasn't enough to justify keeping him on the roster.

Former Tigers pitcher Joey Wentz lands back in AL Central after waiver claim by Twins

Wentz will now get another chance with the Twins, who currently only have one other lefty reliever – Danny Coulombe – on their active roster. During his stint with the Tigers, Wentz pitched to an 0-3 record with a 4.60 ERA in nine appearances against the Twins, and the 27-year-old is 8-18 with a 5.40 ERA over 231 2/3 innings in his four-year MLB career.

Assuming Wentz sticks on Minnesota's active roster at least through the end of the month, he will have a chance to face his former team when the Twins visit Detroit for a three-game series from June 27-29.

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