Los Angeles Angels manager Ron Washington trots back to the dugout after making a pitching change at Globe Life Field. Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Angels' Top Pitching Prospect Out For 2025 After Surgery Announcement

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gabriel Santiago | Last updated May 14, 2025 7:26 PM ET

Other than a 3-1 record in March, not much has gone well for the Los Angeles Angels this season. It's now mid May, and the franchise from Orange County, California has since dropped to 17-24, leaving them in last place of the AL West.

To frustrate matters further, the Angels received a piece of midweek news surrounding one of their most promising prospects. Manager Ron Washington was already having a tough time with the bullpen unit in Anaheim, and aspects there won't be getting any easier going forward.

The Angels Public Relations department posted to their official X (the platform formerly known as Twitter) account that relief pitcher Ben Joyce "underwent surgery to repair his right shoulder earlier [Wednesday] morning. He is expected to miss the remainder of the season."

For the Halos, this is most unfortunate, as Los Angeles' bullpen has been blitzed for a 7.17 ERA in 2025—that is the worst mark in the American League. Part of that is the Angels allowing too many home runs. On May 14, their 28 homers surrendered is most in the majors.

Ben Joyce has undergone season-ending shoulder surgery pic.twitter.com/T2qcPEvlqs
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) May 14, 2025

Notably, the 24-year-old Joyce only threw 4.1 innings this season, giving up three earned runs. He was placed on the 60-day injured list on May 8 due to shoulder inflammation, and despite a concerted effort, he's unable to return to action in 2025.

As mentioned, Joyce had a successful surgery on Wednesday morning, but details around the procedure have not been announced yet. Joyce also suffered from shoulder issues in 2024, missing time last September.

A season ago, LAA was bullish on the hard-throwing righty from Knoxville, Tennessee. Standing at 6-foot-5, Joyce collected four saves behind a 3.53 skill-interactive ERA over 34.2 innings of work last year.

On Wednesday night, the Angels are set for a rubber match against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Projected starters are Kyle Hendricks and Randy Vásquez; first pitch will be at 9:40 p.m. ET.

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

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