Angels Make Unfortunate Announcement Ahead of Astros Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | Last updated Apr 11, 2025 4:27 PM ET

The Los Angeles Angels have been one of MLB's surprise teams in 2025. After losing a franchise record 99 games last season, Los Angeles has started the new campaign with an 8-4 record that ranks second in the American League West.

Beginning a three-game showdown against the Houston Astros on Friday, the Angels will follow that series with another AL West series against the Texas Rangers. While the season is still very young, these division matchups often go a long way towards determining the standings as season's end.

Unfortunately for the Angels, they will enter the series against Houston without a key contributor.

In an official announcement on Friday, the Angeles revealed that right-handed relief pitcher Ben Joyce is heading to the 15-day injured list (retroactive to April 9). In a related move, the Angels have recalled Michael Darrell-Hicks from Triple-A Salt Lake.

This move was announced just hours before first pitch on Friday.

#Angels transactions:

•Recalled RHP Michael Darrell-Hicks from Triple-A Salt Lake

•Placed RHP Ben Joyce (right shoulder inflammation) on 15-day injured list (retro to April 9)
— Angels PR (@LAAngelsPR) April 11, 2025

A hard-throwing right-hander, Joyce owns a 3.12 ERA in 48 big league games. While he has struggled to begin this season, surrendering three earned runs in just 4.1 innings pitched, his potential as a late-inning reliever is something the Angels and manager Ron Washington are very high on.

Having a breakout year in 2024, Joyce appeared in 31 games for the Angels and posted a 2.08 ERA. The 24-year-old projects to be a key piece to LA's bullpen this season, but is now sidelined ahead of a critical series against Houston.

Darrell-Hicks had yet to make his MLB debut, but may have the opportunity to do so this weekend.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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