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Why Detroit Tigers shut down pitching prospect Joey Wentz in Double-A Erie

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Detroit Tigers left-handed prospect Joey Wentz won't pitch again in the 2021 season.

The 23-year-old isn't injured, but the organization decided to protect his arm from overuse in his first year back from Tommy John surgery. He underwent the procedure in March 2020 to repair the ulnar collateral ligament in his left elbow.

Wentz returned to the mound in May for organized competition.

"Joey's had a complete season for him," Tigers manager AJ Hinch said Thursday. "(The Double-A) season ends this Sunday. Joey had done everything we asked him to do.