Angels Reliever Ben Joyce Lands on 15-Day IL with Shoulder Injury

The Los Angeles Angels have made an early-season adjustment to their bullpen.

They placed hard-throwing right-handed reliever Ben Joyce on the 15-day injured list due to inflammation in his throwing shoulder. This decision comes after Joyce’s velocity notably decreased during a recent game against the Tampa Bay Rays.

Manager Ron Washington emphasized the importance of giving Joyce time to rest and recover, signaling a cautious approach.

While the team promoted Triple-A pitcher Michael Darrell-Hicks to fill the roster spot, losing Joyce is a significant setback for the Angels as they tackle the challenges of the 2025 season.

Ben Joyce’s Impact on the Angels

When healthy, Ben Joyce represents a rare talent in the Angels’ bullpen.

Known for his electrifying velocity, Joyce’s fastball can often light up the radar gun with triple-digit heat. Signed to bolster the relief corps, the 22-year-old has drawn attention for his ability to overpower hitters and keep games within reach late in crucial spots.

Through five outings this season, Joyce posted a 1-0 record but struggled with consistency, amassing a 6.23 ERA. Despite the high ERA, his presence added depth to an Angels bullpen already facing considerable pressure in a highly competitive American League West.

The Early-Season Timing Couldn’t Be Worse

Injuries are always unwelcome, but for the Angels, this one feels particularly untimely.

With the 2025 campaign still in its infancy, the team faces the dual challenge of integrating young talent and maintaining competitiveness. Losing a pivotal reliever like Joyce puts additional strain on an already taxed bullpen.

Even though Manager Ron Washington remains optimistic, the “big blow” he described aligns with fans’ concerns—Joyce’s absence creates a void that will force the Angels to look elsewhere for late-inning reliability.

What Shoulder Inflammation Means for a Hard-Throwing Pitcher

For pitchers like Joyce, whose dominance relies heavily on velocity, shoulder inflammation is a red flag.

The throwing shoulder endures immense strain during a major league career, particularly for a power pitcher. When a hurler known for his ability to throw in the 100-mph range begins to experience a dip in velocity, it’s often a signal of underlying physical distress.

While the team has not provided a specific recovery timeline, Washington’s comments about monitoring Joyce’s progress suggest they are in no rush to risk further complications by accelerating his return.

How Will the Angels Adjust in Joyce’s Absence?

To address the gap left by Joyce, the Angels have called up right-hander Michael Darrell-Hicks from Triple-A Salt Lake.

Although not quite as daunting as Joyce’s triple-digit offerings, Darrell-Hicks is a capable arm who could stabilize the bullpen in the short term. For the Angels, this move showcases both confidence in the depth of their farm system and acknowledgment of the need for reinforcements.

Still, filling Joyce’s shoes will be no small task. The team will need to lean on other relievers to step up during high-leverage situations, something that could test their bullpen early in the season.

Managing Joyce’s Recovery: A Long Road Ahead

The Angels have signaled that they’re prioritizing Joyce’s long-term health over any short-term gains by placing him on the injured list early and opting for caution with his recovery.

While this approach makes sense from both medical and strategic standpoints, it raises questions about how soon he’ll return to form—and whether lingering effects could impact his role later in the season. Washington’s focus on “backing off and letting him rest” underscores the uncertainty surrounding shoulder injuries, which can sometimes linger longer than expected.

Looking Forward to the Rest of 2025

Despite this early hurdle, the Angels remain focused on their 2025 aspirations.

With stars like Shohei Ohtani and Mike Trout anchoring the roster, the team aims to stay competitive in the playoff race while navigating injuries to key contributors like Joyce.

The hope is that a cautious approach will allow the 22-year-old to rebuild strength and return as the bullpen weapon the Angels envisioned when they added him to their roster. Until then, Washington and his staff will need all hands on deck to overcome the challenges of an unpredictable baseball season.

Final Thoughts

Ben Joyce’s placement on the 15-day injured list highlights the fragility of a sport defined by both physical power and precision.

For the Angels, his injury exposes early-season vulnerabilities but also provides an opportunity to test the depth of their organization.

While losing a power pitcher of his caliber is a tough pill to swallow, the team is wise to prioritize his health over short-term results.

With a bit of patience and some luck, Joyce could return later in the year to remind the league why his high-octane fastball is such a game-changer.

For now, the Angels will need their bullpen to rally in his absence—and fans will be watching every pitch with bated breath.

 
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