Pirates claim lefty reliever Joey Wentz off waivers from Detroit

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Justin Guerriero | Tuesday, September 3, 2024 3:49 p.m.

Detroit Tigers pitcher Joey Wentz throws against the Chicago White Sox in the ninth inning of a baseball game, June 23, in Detroit.

The Pittsburgh Pirates added an arm to their bullpen Tuesday, claiming 26-year-old lefty Joey Wentz off waivers from the Detroit Tigers.

Wentz went 0-2 with a 5.37 ERA in 38 games with the Tigers this season before being designated for assignment Aug. 30.

In 55 1/3 innings, he struck out 60 with 27 walks.

Wentz was used primarily as a starter last season, going 3-13 with a 6.90 ERA for Detroit in 25 outings, 19 of which were starts.

As a rookie with the Tigers in 2022, he started seven games, going 2-2 with a 3.03 ERA in 32 2/3 innings.

Wentz originally was a Competitive Balance draft pick by the Atlanta Braves in 2016.

The Tigers acquired him in a trade in 2019.

He throws a four-seam fastball, cutter, changeup and curveball.

With the transaction, the Pirates’ 40-man roster is full.

Wentz is expected to join the team this week.