The Los Angeles Angels' 2025 campaign suffered a major setback Wednesday as rising star reliever Ben Joyce underwent season-ending surgery on his right shoulder, according to team officials. The 24-year-old fireballer, who became one of baseball's most dominant pitchers in 2024, had been inactive since April due to persistent shoulder iNFLammation. This surgical intervention dashes hopes for the young pitcher many considered the franchise's future closing ace.

A Meteoric Career Derailed

Joyce took MLB by storm in 2024 with his record-breaking 105 mph fastball - the fastest ever recorded in professional baseball. His impressive 2.08 ERA across 34.2 innings, combined with a sharpening slider, made him particularly lethal against right-handed batters. Manager Ron Washington had positioned him as the team's go-to late-inning specialist following last year's trade of closer Carlos Estévez.

Joyce's 2025 season collapsed abruptly after just five appearances (1-0, 6.23 ERA). His April placement on the injured list initially appeared precautionary, but subsequent rehab efforts failed to restore his signature velocity. A disastrous bullpen session in early May ultimately forced the surgical decision. While the Angels haven't disclosed specific details, medical experts suggest the procedure likely involved either labrum repair or rotator cuff work - operations typically requiring 6-12 months recovery for power pitchers.

Deepening Relief Pitching Crisis

This injury compounds the Angels' existing bullpen catastrophe. Their relievers currently sport MLB's worst ERA (7.17) and have surrendered a league-high 28 home runs. The loss of Joyce's triple-digit heat and team-leading 8.57 strikeouts per nine innings leaves Washington with limited reliable options.

Veteran arms Kenley Jansen and José Quijada have underperformed, while rookie pitchers Ryan Johnson (7.36 ERA) and Chase Silseth show erratic form. These bullpen failures directly contribute to the team's 17-24 record and last-place standing in the AL West division.

Recovery Roadblocks and Team Outlook

For Joyce, this marks his second significant injury in three seasons following 2023's elbow nerve issue that cost him two months. His emotional statement reflects the challenge ahead: "My focus now is getting fully healthy. I want to come back stronger and help this team win." Medical professionals caution that shoulder procedures pose particular risks for velocity-dependent pitchers.

The Angels now face tough decisions. With fading playoff hopes, the front office must choose between promoting minor league talent or pursuing costly mid-season trades. Either path appears daunting for an organization already reeling from injury setbacks.