Ben Joyce’s Season-Ending Shoulder Surgery: What Fans Need to Know

The Angels announced that right-hander Ben Joyce had shoulder surgery and will miss the rest of the season. Previously on the 60-day injured list, Joyce’s setback is particularly tough for the team, given his potential.

At just 24 years old, Joyce is known for his incredible fastball, averaging 101.6 miles per hour. Despite being one of the fastest throwers in baseball, he can also induce ground balls, boasting a 53.7% ground-ball rate. This year, he has pitched 49 innings with a solid earned run average of 3.12, although his strikeout rate of 21% and walk rate of 11.4% could use improvement.

Joyce first landed on the 15-day injured list early in the season due to shoulder inflammation. Initially, both he and the team believed it was a minor issue. He described the injury as typical soreness, but further evaluation revealed it was more serious than expected.

The move to the 60-day IL last week indicated a worsening condition, and now surgery has confirmed that Joyce’s 2025 season is essentially lost.

This injury comes at a rough time for the Angels, whose bullpen struggles this year with a collective ERA of 7.07, tied with the Nationals for the worst in the league. In comparison, the Diamondbacks hold the next-worst bullpen ERA at 5.18. These challenges have contributed to the Angels’ disappointing 17-24 record so far.

Interestingly, Joyce’s injury highlights a broader trend in Major League Baseball where increasing throwing speeds often correlate with injury risks. According to a recent study, pitchers who throw over 95 mph are nearly three times more likely to sustain arm injuries than their slower counterparts. This raises questions about how teams manage young pitchers and monitor their training regimens.

As Joyce recovers, he will continue to accumulate big league service time, totaling 2.075 years by the end of the season. He is set to enter arbitration eligibility in 2026 and can become a free agent in 2029.

Fans and analysts are eager to see how the Angels handle Joyce’s return and whether they will adjust their approach to pitcher management as they navigate this difficult season.

For more insights on player injuries and team strategies in baseball, check out ESPN’s expert analysis.

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