Ben Joyce, a right‑handed reliever, was activated by the Los Angeles Angels on August 6, 2026 after completing a rehabilitation program for a right shoulder injury that had sidelined him since early June.
A Brief but Meaningful Appearance
In his first game action in more than four years, Joyce took the mound against the Baltimore Orioles, delivering a single inning that featured one strikeout and one walk. The Angels fell 5‑2, but the outing signaled the end of a 60‑day injured‑list stint that had begun after his surgery.
The appearance marked a milestone in Joyce’s recovery, showcasing that the pitcher could still generate movement and control despite the lengthy layoff. Manager Brandon Marsh praised the veteran’s poise, noting that the right‑hander’s presence added a steadying influence to a bullpen that has struggled for consistency early in the season.
College Foundations
Joyce’s path to the majors began at the University of Tennessee, where he transferred after a season at Walters State Community College. He sat out the 2021 campaign to recover from offseason surgery, returning in 2022 to help the Volunteers compile a 2‑1 record with 53 strikeouts across 32.1 innings.
Beyond his pitching achievements, Joyce earned a bachelor’s degree in finance, a testament to his disciplined approach both on and off the mound. He also represented Farragut High School in Tennessee, where he first emerged as a promising arm before his collegiate career.
The Angels selected him in the third round of the 2022 MLB draft with the 89th overall pick, a reward for his collegiate performance that had caught the attention of scouts across the league.
Looking ahead, Joyce hopes to build on this early outing and contribute regularly to the Angels’ relief corps. His blend of experience, academic background, and proven resilience positions him as a valuable asset as the team aims to climb back into contention.