Following a dynamic and distinctly Braves-style victory on Friday night, Joey Wentz is set to pitch for Atlanta in a critical game that could clinch the series against the New York Yankees. This game will take place on Saturday, July 19, at Truist Park in Atlanta, as the Braves seek to extend their success after the All-Star break.
Wentz’s journey has brought him back to the organization that initially drafted him, following his trade for Shane Greene in 2019 and time spent with other teams. Despite a relatively modest start since his MLB debut in 2022, Wentz showed promise during his return outing for Atlanta, pitching three strong innings and striking out six batters. His approach involved relying heavily on cutters combined with fastballs and a few curveballs.
Analyzing Wentz’s Pitching Style and Challenges
The towering left-hander has displayed potential with his assortment of pitches, but control issues remain a significant hurdle, with walks continuing to be a struggle. While his fastball has been vulnerable at times, the cutter has generated numerous swings and misses. Although this combination may not qualify him as a full-time starting pitcher, it suggests Wentz could be effective for at least one rotation cycle. How the Braves manage his innings on Saturday, including the number of batters he faces, will be a key factor to observe.
Previewing Yankees Starter Will Warren’s Performance
The Yankees will counter with Will Warren, who shows characteristics of a genuine league starter early in his career. Warren has recorded an impressive strikeout rate of nearly 11 batters per nine innings over 118 innings pitched. His five-pitch mix features a four-seam fastball delivered from a low arm slot, complemented by a sweeper, changeup, sinker, and curveball, all with significant movement. However, several of these pitches have so far yielded average results against major league hitters.
While Warren is a solid pitcher, he is not considered dominant, and the Braves’ offense, especially after the All-Star break, may capitalize on his weaknesses, notably his control challenges.
Key Details for the Saturday Night Matchup
The game is scheduled for 7:15 p.m. Eastern at Atlanta’s Truist Park. Fans can watch on FanDuel Sports South, FanDuel Sports Southeast, or Gray TV, with streaming available on MLB.tv. Radio broadcasts will be on 680 AM and 93.7 FM The Fan.
Implications of the Game for the Braves and Beyond
This start for Joey Wentz represents an opportunity for the Braves to secure a series win against a competitive Yankees team, boosting confidence as the season progresses. How Wentz performs under pressure will be closely watched, as it may influence Atlanta’s pitching strategy moving forward and provide momentum heading into the next stretch of games. The encounter also offers insight into the development of both Wentz and Warren as young pitchers in the league.