Los Angeles Angels ace pitcher Ben Joyce will be out for the rest of the 2025 MLB season following surgery to address a serious shoulder injury. The Angels are facing a significant setback as the 24-year-old right-hander, known for his explosive fastball consistently clocked above 162 mph in 2024, will miss several months recovering from the procedure performed on May 14th.
Joyce had been struggling with lingering shoulder pain before being placed on the 60-day injured list on May 9. Angels coach Ron Washington acknowledged the unexpected nature of the surgery, saying, “I never had surgery in mind. It just happened. It could have been an asset. Now I know I don’t have that asset, at least not this year.”
Despite only appearing in five games this season and posting a 6.23 ERA, Joyce’s potential remains high, especially given his status as the fastest pitcher in Major League Baseball for those who have thrown over 50 pitches. While the timeline for his return remains unclear, Joyce is focused on rehabilitation and regaining full health, stating, “At the end of the day, I just want to be healthy. I want to contribute to the team. I don’t really think about what the velo is. If I can throw whatever it is, I want to do it.”
Fan Take: This is a tough blow for the Angels and baseball fans who have been excited about the emergence of one of the game’s fastest pitchers. Joyce’s recovery and future performance will be closely watched, as his return could significantly impact the competitive landscape and showcase the resilience of young talent in the sport.
