### Angels' Bullpen Faces Setback as Ben Joyce Lands on Injured List The Los Angeles Angels have encountered a significant challenge early in the 2025 MLB season with the placement of reliever Ben Joyce on the 15-day injured list due to shoulder inflammation. This decision comes after Joyce exhibited decreased velocity during a recent game against the Tampa Bay Rays, raising concerns about his health and performance. Manager Ron Washington expressed the team's disappointment, noting the impact of losing a key player so soon in the season. The Angels have called up Michael Darrell-Hicks from Triple-A Salt Lake to fill Joyce's roster spot, aiming to mitigate the loss in their bullpen [https://www.reuters.com/sports/angels-place-reliever-ben-joyce-shoulder-il-2025-04-12, https://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/angels_place_reliever_ben_joyce_shoulder_of_il/s1_17044_42041485]. ### Breakdown of the Situation Surrounding Ben Joyce's Injury 1. **Injury Details**: - Ben Joyce has been placed on the 15-day injured list due to inflammation in his throwing shoulder, with the move being retroactive to April 9, 2025 [https://www.latimes.com/sports/angels/story/2025-04-11/angels-place-ben-joyce-injured-list]. - The injury was highlighted by a noticeable drop in his fastball velocity during a game against the Tampa Bay Rays [https://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/angels_place_righty_pitcher_on_15_day_il/s1_13237_42041065]. 2. **Manager's Comments**: - Manager Ron Washington described the situation as a "big blow" to the team, emphasizing the uncertainty surrounding the duration of Joyce's absence [https://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/angels_place_reliever_ben_joyce_shoulder_of_il/s1_17044_42041485]. 3. **Performance Context**: - Joyce had a mixed start to the season, with a record of 1-0 and a 6.23 ERA over five appearances. His previous season performance was significantly better, showcasing a 2.08 ERA and a high strikeout rate [https://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/angels_place_righty_pitcher_on_15_day_il/s1_13237_42041065]. 4. **Replacement Strategy**: - To address the gap left by Joyce, the Angels have promoted Michael Darrell-Hicks from Triple-A Salt Lake, indicating a proactive approach to maintain bullpen strength [https://www.si.com/mlb/angels/angels-news/angels-ben-joyce-provides-ominous-update-on-shoulder-injury-01jrkqk09zvx]. ### Evidence Supporting the Impact of Joyce's Injury - **Injury Timeline**: - Joyce's injury was confirmed after he experienced decreased velocity on April 9, leading to an MRI that revealed shoulder inflammation [https://www.ocregister.com/2025/04/11/angels-place-ben-joyce-on-injured-list-because-of-shoulder-inflammation]. - **Performance Metrics**: - In the previous season, Joyce averaged an impressive 102.1 mph on his fastball, making his recent drop to 99.3 mph particularly concerning [https://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/angels_place_righty_pitcher_on_15_day_il/s1_13237_42041065]. - **Team Response**: - The Angels' decision to call up Darrell-Hicks reflects their need to adapt quickly to the loss of Joyce, who was a key contributor to their bullpen last season [https://www.thestar.com/sports/baseball/angels-place-reliever-ben-joyce-on-injured-list-with-shoulder-inflammation/article_51072d2c-38d2-595d-89a6-0ef539a12155]. ### Conclusion: The Road Ahead for the Angels Without Joyce **Key Findings**: 1. **Injury Impact**: The loss of Ben Joyce due to shoulder inflammation is a significant setback for the Angels early in the season. 2. **Managerial Concerns**: Ron Washington has expressed concern over the uncertainty of Joyce's recovery timeline. 3. **Performance History**: Joyce's previous season performance highlights his importance to the team, making his absence felt even more acutely. 4. **Strategic Adjustments**: The Angels are taking immediate steps to fill the void left by Joyce by promoting Michael Darrell-Hicks. In summary, the Angels must navigate the challenges posed by Joyce's injury while hoping for a swift recovery to maintain their competitive edge in the season [https://www.reuters.com/sports/angels-place-reliever-ben-joyce-shoulder-il-2025-04-12, https://www.si.com/mlb/angels/angels-news/angels-ben-joyce-provides-ominous-update-on-shoulder-injury-01jrkqk09zvx].