The Los Angeles Angels’ bullpen for 2025 has taken a major hit with the loss of one of its most electrifying pitchers.
Hard-throwing right-hander has undergone season-ending shoulder surgery, the team announced, cutting short a season that started with promise but now leaves the 24-year-old’s future uncertain.
The surgery took place on May 14 after a lengthy stretch of shoulder discomfort and failed rehab efforts.
The Angels announced that Ben Joyce underwent season-ending shoulder surgery this morning pic.twitter.com/8T78yIk2y3
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) May 14, 2025
Shoulder Setback Ends 2025 Campaign
Joyce, who had been dealing with shoulder inflammation since April, was officially sidelined after a failed throwing progression caused increased pain.
Following several weeks on the injured list—including a move to the 60-day IL on May 9—the decision was made to proceed with surgery.
Angels manager Ron Washington gave a straightforward assessment of the loss:
“Surgery was never part of the plan. It just became necessary… That could have been a valuable asset. Now we know we won’t have that asset, at least not this season.”
Joyce appeared in only five games this year, recording a 1-0 record with a 6.23 ERA. Although his stats were inconsistent, his potential was still clear—especially given his performance the previous season.
Once MLB’s Fastest Arm
In 2024, Joyce quickly became one of baseball’s most intimidating young pitchers, boasting a fastball that regularly exceeded 102 mph.
Across 34 2/3 innings last season, he posted an impressive 2.08 ERA, with his fastball velocity topping all MLB pitchers who threw at least 50 pitches.
This blazing speed, combined with a developing slider, had Angels fans optimistic that Joyce could handle crucial late-game innings in 2025.
“I’ve never seen a fastball like that,” said veteran hitter J.D. Martinez. “That was the fastest fastball I’ve ever faced.”
However, he instead ends up as another bullpen casualty on a team already battling to keep its pitchers healthy.
Angels’ Bullpen Faces More Pressure
The loss of Joyce is a major setback for an already unstable bullpen.
Angels relievers currently have a 6.97 ERA, the worst in Major League Baseball this season.
Joyce was seen as a key part of the team’s rebuilding efforts, and losing him adds more strain to a pitching staff that has struggled with depth and consistency.
“Well, we’ve made it this far without him, so we’ll have to find a way to manage,” Washington said.
“Hopefully, the people in charge continue to explore options and bring in some reinforcements.”
This situation also brings up questions about the Angels’ strategy as the trade deadline approaches. Will they keep pushing to compete?
Or will they start trading players and focus on rebuilding for 2026, when Joyce might be ready to come back?
Future Remains Unclear
There’s no set schedule for Joyce’s recovery.
The team hasn’t confirmed if he’ll be ready for Spring Training in 2026, and shoulder surgeries—especially for pitchers with powerful arms—often have unpredictable recovery times.
“At the end of the day, I just want to be healthy,” Joyce said. “I want to help the team. I’m not really focused on my velocity. Whatever speed I can pitch at, I’m happy to do it.”
For now, the Angels are without a promising talent, and Joyce faces a long and challenging recovery from a serious injury just as his MLB career was gaining momentum.
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