When the Atlanta Braves claimed Joey Wentz off of waivers, expectations were understandably pretty low as he was a late season waiver claim who had struggled much of the last few years. However, Wentz's newfound extension with Atlanta resulted in him being surprisingly effective through his first few starts. Unfortunately, it does appear as though the honeymoon period with Wentz is officially over.
Through Wentz's first seven starts with the Braves, he was the proud owner of a 2.60 ERA and 3.14 FIP in 34.2 innings of work. There were a couple of rough starts in there, but Wentz was mostly terrific and many thought that he was playing his way into contention for a rotation spot with Atlanta next season.
Unfortunately, after getting beat up by the Mariners last weekend, Wentz has put up a series of starts now that feels like fans are watching him turn back into a pumpkin.
Joey Wentz's magical run with the Braves appears to be very, very over
As much as there was to like about the start of Wentz's second tenure with the Braves, including adjustments to his delivery and obviously the results, his last four starts have been on the other end of the spectrum. Over his last 16.1 innings, Wentz has posted a brutal 10.47 ERA and more respectable, but still not great 4.43 FIP. It does seem like Wentz has gotten a bit unlucky on balls in play during this stretch especially considering that his strikeout numbers have remained good, but he has also given up a lot of hard contact which is never good.
While the chances that Wentz will be handed a rotation spot next year have taken a massive hit, that doesn't mean that the Braves will part ways with him right after the season ends. Wentz is only heading into his first year of arbitration and given that he is likely to be very cheap, Atlanta could keep him around to at least see how he looks in spring training. However, the fact that Wentz does not have any minor league options left doesn't work in his favor there.
Luckily, the Braves have had some better luck with pitching elsewhere. Hurston Waldrep's emergence has been a welcome surprise and there is a good chance that JR Ritchie will compete for a spot next season as well after a really strong season in Triple-A. As for Wentz, things are unfortunately trending in the wrong direction.