Trending Now - Wentz Avoids Serious Injury After First Base Incident

WHO:

Joey Wentz, Atlanta Braves left-hander, age 28

Taylor Walls, player for the Tampa Bay Rays

Spencer Schwellenbach, Braves pitcher who underwent elbow surgery

Hurston Waldrep, Braves pitcher who underwent elbow surgery

Bryce Elder, Braves pitcher

Martín Pérez, veteran pitcher considered for a spot in the Braves' rotation

JR Ritchie, Braves No. 2 prospect

WHAT:

Wentz left a game against the Tampa Bay Rays due to a right leg injury.

Wentz was carted off the field but walked into the clubhouse without assistance.

Initial tests indicated Wentz avoided a serious injury, including a torn anterior cruciate ligament.

The Braves lost the exhibition game 9-8 after the Rays scored two runs in the bottom of the eighth inning.

Wentz was projected to compete for a spot in the Braves' rotation, which has lost two pitchers to surgery.

WHERE:

Port Charlotte, Florida, location of the game between the Atlanta Braves and Tampa Bay Rays.

WHEN:

The incident occurred on Sunday, March 5th, 2026.

The Braves will evaluate Wentz again on Monday, March 6th, 2026.

WHY:

Wentz stepped awkwardly on first base while covering the base on a bunt, leading to the injury.

HOW:

Wentz was carted off the field but managed to get to a golf cart under his own power before being carted beyond the outfield wall.

(UPDATED March 9, 2026 01:24 UTC)

In a recent exhibition game against the Tampa Bay Rays, Braves left-hander Joey Wentz left the field with a right leg injury after stepping awkwardly on first base while covering a bunt. Although he was carted off the field, initial tests showed he avoided serious injury and was able to walk into the clubhouse without assistance. The Braves ultimately lost the game 9 to 8 after the Rays scored two runs in the bottom of the eighth inning, and Wentz will be evaluated again today.