Wentz will look to build off two strong appearances since joining the Braves.
As the Braves navigate the second half of the season without Chris Sale, Spencer Schwellenbach and AJ Smith Shawver, one of the few bright spots has been lefty Joey Wentz, who the club signed off the scrap heap a few weeks ago. On Friday night in Arlington, Wentz will make his second start and third appearance for the club against the Texas Rangers.
Wentz has struggled for most of his big league career, but he’s found success over two appearances and seven innings thus far with Atlanta. While the small sample size caveats apply, Wentz has looked the part with eight strikeouts and two walks over seven scoreless frames. Three of those innings came against the Cardinals and four came against the Yankees in his most recent start. He’ll have his hands full against a veteran Texas lineup that has hit better in recent weeks after a slow start to the season.
The Rangers will hand the ball to Nathan Eovaldi, who has been spectacular this season with a 1.58 ERA / 2.37 FIP / 2.73 xFIP across 16 starts. Assuming he stays healthy down the stretch, Eovaldi should get votes on Cy Young ballots. Despite being 35 years old and debuting in the majors all the way back in 2011, this has been a career-best season for Eovaldi as his strikeout rate and walk rate are the best of his career.
First pitch is set for 8:05 p.m. ET.