The Minnesota Twins made a decisive move on Thursday, activating left‑handed pitcher Joey Wentz before their game against the Texas Rangers. They claimed Wentz off waivers from the Pittsburgh Pirates on June 11th, and he officially joins the active roster today.
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Joey Wentz
Firstly, Wentz brings valuable depth to Minnesota’s bullpen. He logged a 4.15 ERA during 19 relief appearances for the Pirates in 2025, while amassing a 22:11 strikeout-to-walk ratio across 26 innings. Additionally, he recorded a 3.32 ERA over 38 innings last season after joining Pittsburgh, signaling improvement and adaptability.
Moreover, Wentz’s pedigree makes him an intriguing option. A former first‑round pick (40th overall) by the Atlanta Braves in 2016, he debuted with Detroit in 2022 and later worked out of Pittsburgh’s bullpen. Standing at 6’5″, Wentz pairs a mid‑to‑low‑90s fastball with a cutter and curveball—and occasionally mixes in a changeup—allowing him to eat innings and potentially deliver length in lower‑leverage situations.
Furthermore, Minnesota gains a second southpaw for relief alongside Danny Coulombe, enhancing their matchup flexibility and bolstering their left‑handed depth. Because Wentz lacks minor-league options, Twins manager Rocco Baldelli must now manage his roster strategically.
Looking ahead, Twins fans should monitor Wentz’s early performance. He’ll likely pitch in low‑leverage roles initially, but if he maintains control and shows consistency, he could earn more responsibility out of the bullpen. The team will depend on him not only to bridge the middle innings but also to provide quality mop-up if starters falter.
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Wrap Up
In summary, the Twins acted swiftly by activating Wentz and reinforcing their bullpen depth. Given his experience, physical profile, and recent improvement, Wentz represents a calculated gamble. Wentz will get his shot in Minnesota’s relief corps as the team navigates a challenging stretch of the 2025 season.
