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Los Angeles Angels relief pitcher Ben Joyce took another step in his lengthy recovery Wednesday, moving his rehab assignment to Triple-A.
Joyce hasnt pitched in MLB since the beginning of the 2025 season, undergoing shoulder reconstruction surgery last year before heading back to the IL in spring training with inflammation in the same shoulder.
The #Angels have transferred the rehab assignment of RHP Ben Joyce to Triple-A @SaltLakeBees.
Angels PR (@LAAngelsPR) July 23, 2026 The right-hander first began his rehab assignment in late April, pitching four ties in Single-A before the Angels shut him down once again due to lingering discomfort.
Joyce made his return July 7, making four appearances in the Arizona Complex League.
He pitched four times in the ACL, pitching a total of three innings while allowing three earned runs.
Joyce struck out four batters, including three in one inning on July 11.
The flamethrowing right-hander made a name for himself with the Angels in 2024, hurling some of the fastest pitches ever recorded while posting a 2.08 ERA through 34.2 innings pitchedthe fastest being a 105.5 mph fastball to strikeout the Los Angeles Dodgers Tommy Edman.
When he returned in 2025, though, he didnt quite have the same resultsallowing four runs in 4.1 innings.
August 16, 2024; Anaheim, California, USA; Los Angeles Angels pitcher Ben Joyce (44) throws against the Atlanta Braves during the eighth inning at Angel Stadium.
Mandatory Credit: Gary A.
Vasquez-Imagn Images Will Ben Joyce Help the Angels Bullpen? The Angels have struggled out of the bullpen this season, as most of their offseason signings struggled in relief.
They have improved as the season has progressed, but still have a collective 4.45 ERA out of the bullpenranking 24th in MLB.
Joyce could be a huge help to the bullpen if he finds his form from a couple years ago, and would serve as a pillar in the Angels bullpen as they try to get things back on track.
The Halos are currently last in the AL West, but have done well keep things from completely falling apart over the course of the season.
They sit just 2.5 games back of the formerly first-place Athletics, who have only won three games in July.
While the postseason isnt realistically attainable this season, the Angels will hope Joyce can help them put together a strong second half of the season as they look to build towards the playoffs, which they havent participated in since 2014.
Their next opportunity to gain on their competitors comes against the San Francisco Giants on Friday at 7:15 p.m.
PT.
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