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Ben Joyce news
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The gist
Ben Joyce earned his first save since 2024 in the Angels' 5-2 win over the Rangers. His return from shoulder surgery could make him the Angels' closer.
Background
Ben Joyce, a hard-throwing reliever for the Los Angeles Angels, underwent right shoulder surgery and was sidelined for an extended period. He was reinstated from the 60-day injured list and has been working his way back, recently earning his first save in nearly two years. The Angels have struggled this season, and Joyce's return is seen as a positive development for their bullpen.
How it unfolded
- recentlyJoyce was reinstated from the 60-day injured list and began a rehab assignment.
- Aug 12, 2026Joyce pitched a perfect ninth inning with one strikeout to earn the save in a 5-2 win over the Rangers, throwing multiple pitches over 100 mph.
- Aug 14, 2026Reports highlight Joyce's positive early returns, including four scoreless innings with four strikeouts and a save since his return.
- Aug 16, 2026Joyce recorded another save in a 1-0 win over the Royals.
Who’s saying what
- Analysts
- Joyce has looked good since returning, allowing just one hit and one walk with four strikeouts over four scoreless innings, and will likely emerge as the favorite to close for the Angels.
- Caution
- The Angels are a last-place team that won't produce many save chances, limiting Joyce's fantasy value despite his strikeout upside.