For the second spring in a row, the Tigers got bad news on a young arm.
Prospect Joey Wentz underwent Tommy John surgery on Tuesday, putting him on the shelf for the next 14-16 months. It was almost a year ago to the day that the Tigers announced Michael Fulmer would undergo the same operation.
Wentz suffered a forearm strain early in spring training.
Acquired in last season's Shane Greene trade, Wentz ranks No. 8 among Detroit's prospects, according to MLB Pipeline. The lefty made a strong impression over five starts with Double-A Erie in 2019, posting a 2.10 ERA, 0.94 WHIP and 37 strikeouts in 25 2/3 innings.
Wentz, 22, had a chance to start this season in Triple-A, alongside fellow top prospects Casey Mize, Matt Manning and Tarik Skubal. Instead he'll begin a long rehab process, with the hope of getting back on the mound next summer.
