Ben Joyce
Breakdown
Leistung
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6. August 2026
Tops out at 102.2 mph in '26 debut
Joyce pitched a scoreless and hitless inning in relief against Baltimore on Wednesday, walking one batter and striking out one.
Analyse
Joyce was activated from the 60-day IL on Tuesday after being deemed ready to return from right shoulder surgery. The flamethrowing reliever showed that he still has impressive velocity, throwing nine of his 16 pitches over 100 mph and topping out at 102.2 mph. Joyce's command was a bit spotty -- he threw eight balls and eight strikes -- but that didn't cost him in the scoring column. Joyce has always had closer-like stuff, and with the Angels trading away Kirby Yates and Ryan Zeferjahn at the deadline, there's a clear path for Joyce to work his way up to the closer role before the end of the campaign.
4. August 2026
Reinstated from 60-day injured list
The Angels activated Joyce (shoulder) from the 60-day injured list Tuesday.
Analyse
Joyce is finally ready to make his season debut for the Angels following a long road back from right shoulder surgery. The reliever had to be pulled off an initial rehab assignment back in May because he wasn't recovering well in between outings, but it went smoother after he restarted things in July. Joyce's numbers on his rehab assignment -- 5.06 ERA, 12:8 K:BB in 10.2 innings -- were underwhelming, and he did not appear in back-to-back games. So, while there's a clear opening at closer for the Angels, it's unlikely Joyce will be thrown back into the role right away.
