When the Atlanta Braves claimed Joey Wentz off waivers earlier in July, the move looked desperate. As fun as the narrative of Wentz returning to the team that drafted him was, he had also already played for two other teams just this season and hadn't started a game since 2023 when he posted a 6.90 ERA with the Tigers. The Braves were just looking for innings anywhere and Wentz just happened to be available at the right time.
Given the context at the time, Braves fans were just hoping Wentz wouldn't hurt himself or be completely embarrassing as Atlanta was out of replacement rotation options and help from the injured list wasn't coming until at least late August if at all this season.