Wentz appears likely to get a start or two early in the season with Atlanta playing 13 consecutive days to begin its schedule, Mark Bowman of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Wentz is battling Bryce Elder for the fifth starter role, but that competition will probably extend into the regular season with the team having to give serious thought to deploying a six-man rotation for the first couple weeks. Wentz produced a 4.92 ERA, 1.42 WHIP and 64:23 K:BB in 64 innings over 14 appearances (13 starts) for Atlanta in 2025.

Wentz could begin the season as Atlanta's No. 5 starter with Spencer Schwellenbach (elbow) on the 60-day IL, Mark Bowman of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Atlanta's pitching depth will be tested right out of the gate, with Wentz, Bryce Elder and prospect Hurston Waldrep viewed as the top candidates to fill in for Schwellenbach. Wentz looked very good in his first month with the team last season after being claimed off waivers from the Twins in July, but by the end of the campaign the southpaw had a 4.92 ERA, 1.42 WHIP and 64:23 K:BB through 64.0 innings for Atlanta. However, Wentz and Elder are both out of minor-league options, giving them a leg up on Waldrep for a spot on the 26-man roster -- either as the fifth starter or as a long man in the bullpen.

Atlanta and Wentz avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year contract Friday.

EDGE Analysis

Wentz showed some flashes after being claimed off waivers by Atlanta in 2025, finishing with a 4.92 ERA and 64:23 K:BB over 64 innings. The left-hander will compete for a spot in the rotation in spring training but could ultimately settle into a long relief role.

Wentz (5-7) took the loss Friday against Pittsburgh, allowing four runs on eight hits and two walks in four innings. He struck out three.

EDGE Analysis

Wentz didn't go out on a high note against a soft Pittsburgh lineup in his final appearance of 2025, working his second-shortest outing since becoming a starter in mid-July. The eight hits represented his second-most allowed of the season, though the southpaw at least managed to toss three scoreless frames around a four-run Pirates second inning. Wentz spent time with three different teams this year, and he'll close the campaign with an uninspiring 5.60 ERA, 1.56 WHIP and 92:43 K:BB over 98 frames (13 starts).

Wentz came away with a no-decision in Saturday's 6-5 win over the Tigers, allowing two runs on six hits and two walks over five innings. He struck out seven.

EDGE Analysis

The southpaw left the mound after 84 pitches (55 strikes) in line for his sixth win, but the bullpen let the lead slip away before Atlanta's offense rallied late. Wentz's performances have been erratic since joining the rotation, and over his last eight starts he's failed to complete five innings four times, leading to a 5.64 ERA, 1.64 WHIP and 37:14 K:BB through 36.2 innings during that span. He's scheduled to take the bump one more time in 2025, at home next weekend against the Pirates.

Wentz did not factor into the decision Sunday against the Astros, allowing two runs on six hits and a walk over four innings. He struck out five.

EDGE Analysis

It's the third straight start that Wentz has failed to make it past the fourth inning, though Sunday's outing is certainly a step in the right direction after he was tagged for eight runs (six earned) in just 2.1 frames his last time out against the Mariners. Overall, Wentz is 3-5 with a 4.75 ERA, 1.33 WHIP and 54:19 K:BB across 55 innings with Atlanta this season.

Wentz (5-6) took the loss Sunday against the Mariners, allowing eight runs on eight hits and a walk across 2.1 innings. He struck out two.

EDGE Analysis

It was a rough day for Wentz, who's now given up 19 runs in just 16.1 innings over his last four starts. Overall, the left-hander sports a 5.12 ERA with a 1.31 WHIP and 49 strikeouts across 51 innings with Atlanta this year. Wentz will look to get on track in his next outing, tentatively scheduled to come next week at home against the Astros.

Wentz is starting Sunday's game against the Mariners, Mark Bowman of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Spencer Strider was initially penciled in to start Sunday's series finale, but he'll get extra rest while Wentz is pushed up in the rotation. The southpaw has gone fewer than five frames in two of his past three starts, but overall Wentz has been a decent rotation piece for Atlanta with a 3.88 ERA, 1.19 WHIP and 47:17 K:BB over 48.2 innings (nine starts).

Wentz (5-5) took the loss Tuesday against the Cubs, allowing four runs on seven hits and one walk in four-plus innings. He struck out eight.

EDGE Analysis

The season-high eight strikeouts salvaged what was a poor showing overall by Wentz. Although he generated a strong 13 whiffs Tuesday, the southpaw gave up at least four runs for the second time in his last three outings. Wentz still has a respectable 3.88 ERA, 1.19 WHIP and 47:17 K:BB over 48.2 innings since joining Atlanta, though he's tentatively scheduled for another tough matchup against these same Cubs early next week.

Wentz (5-4) picked up the win Wednesday, allowing one run on four hits and two walks over 6.2 innings in a 12-1 rout of the Marlins. He struck out five.

EDGE Analysis

Atlanta handed the southpaw a 9-0 lead through four innings, letting Wentz cruise to his third quality start in eight turns since joining the rotation coming out of the All-Star break. Over that stretch, the 27-year-old has delivered a 3.67 ERA, 1.18 WHIP and 33:15 K:BB through 41.2 innings. Wentz will look to keep rolling in his next outing, which lines up to come on the road early next week against the Cubs.