Ben Joyce's Rehab: Angels' Bullpen Hope

0:00On April 29th, the Los Angeles Angels bullpen is hurting bad right now, sitting at a 5.71 ERA second worst in the majors. But good news is coming with a reliever Ben Joyce kicking off his rehab assignment Wednesday at Class A, Rancho Cucamanga. This 25-year-old flamethrower is back from shoulder surgery he had last May and could give them a serious lift. He's been building up steam since mid-February with bullpen sessions and even face live hitters three times in Arizona, including an extended spring, training game on Monday. Joyce has a solid career mark, 3.12 ERA, over 49 innings with 44 strikeouts. Manager Kurt Suzuki is hyped about it, Colin Joyce ready to roll after what he's shown. The guy's got electric heat, touching 105.5 mph on his fastball, plus a nasty slinkersinker, an 86 mile per hour slider, and a 92 mile per hour change-up.

1:00No firm return date yet. It all depends on how Joyce feels after a few outings, and he might hit Tribal A Salt Lake first before jumping to the big, club. Last season he posted a 2.08 ERA before the injury cut him short. With the bullpen desperate for arms, Angels fans are crossing fingers. Joyce ramps up quick without any setbacks, potentially turning their late, innings around before it's too late. That's your update from MLB News Today, powered by AI, I'm Corey with The Story.