One of the most explosive arms in the Los Angeles Angels’ 2025 bullpen was recently gone.
The organization revealed that right-handed flamethrower Ben Joyce has undergone season-ending shoulder surgery. The 24-year-old’s year, which started with great expectations, ended in uncertainty.
After a protracted period of agony and fruitless attempts at recuperation, the surgery was carried out on May 14.
Shoulder Setback Ends 2025 Campaign
Following an unsuccessful throwing progression that resulted in further discomfort, Joyce, who had been dealing with shoulder inflammation since April, was formally shut down.
It was decided to have surgery after weeks on the injured list, which included a move to the 60-day IL on May 9.
Angels manager Ron Washington gave a direct summary of the defeat:
“We never considered having surgery. It simply occurred. That may have been advantageous. We now know that, at least for this year, we lack that asset.
Joyce pitched in just five games this season, recording a 6.23 ERA and a 1-0 record. Even if the stats weren’t consistent, his potential was still clear, especially in light of his performance the year before.
Once MLB’s Fastest Arm
Joyce’s fastball, which often reached 102+ mph, made him one of baseball’s most feared young guns in 2024.
His fastball velocity topped all MLB pitchers who threw at least 50 pitches last season, and he recorded a commanding 2.08 ERA across 34 2/3 innings.
With that speed and a developing slider, Angels supporters were optimistic that Joyce would be able to secure high-leverage innings in 2025.
Veteran slugger J.D. Martinez remarked, “I’ve never seen a fastball like that.” “I’ve never faced a fastball as fast as that.”
Instead, on a club that already has trouble keeping pitchers healthy, he becomes just another bullpen casualty.
Angels’ Bullpen Faces More Pressure
Joyce’s departure is a severe setback for a bullpen that was already struggling.
This season, the Angels’ relievers have the worst ERA in Major League Baseball, at 6.97.
Joyce was considered a long-term addition to a rebuilding effort, and his absence adds to the workload of a staff that hasn’t been reliable or deep.
Washington remarked, “We’re going to have to figure it out because we made it this far without him.”
“Hopefully, those at the top who make the decisions will keep searching for assistance.”
It also calls into doubt the path the Angels will take before the trade deadline. Do they still make an effort to compete?
Or do they try to start over in 2026, when Joyce could be prepared to come back?
Future Remains Unclear
Joyce’s recuperation has no set schedule.
There is uncertainty around the timeliness of shoulder procedures, especially for power arms, and the organization has not verified whether he will be prepared for Spring Training in 2026.
“I just want to be healthy at the end of the day,” Joyce stated. “I want to be a part of the team.” What the velo is isn’t really on my mind. I would want to do that if I could pitch whatever it is.
As his MLB career was just starting to take off, Joyce suffered a serious injury that will take a long time to recover from, and the Angels currently lose a high-upside weapon.
