Watch: Former Vols standout Ben Joyce dominates former AL MVP in second career MLB appearance
Former Tennessee Vols right-handed pitcher Ben Joyce was pitching for UT at this time a year ago. And now he's in the big leagues pitching in critical situations for the Los Angeles Angels. Joyce, a third-round pick by the Angels in the 2022 MLB Draft, was called up by Los Angeles earlier this week. He […]
Former Tennessee Vols right-handed pitcher Ben Joyce was pitching for UT at this time a year ago.
And now he's in the big leagues pitching in critical situations for the Los Angeles Angels.
Joyce, a third-round pick by the Angels in the 2022 MLB Draft, was called up by Los Angeles earlier this week. He made his MLB debut on May 29, throwing a scoreless inning with two strikeouts against the Chicago White Sox.
On Thursday night, Joyce made his second career appearance. And it was a memorable one.
Joyce was brought into the 7th inning of the Angels' game against the Houston Astros and he faced a tough part of the order.
The former Vol tossed a scoreless frame, only allowing a hit to Jeremy Pena. Joyce struck out two of the Astros' big hitters, getting Jose Altuve and Yordan Alvarez swinging on fastballs that topped 100 MPH.
Joyce's strikeout of Altuve was particularly impressive as the former AL MVP never looked comfortable in the batter's box.
Here's the video of the at-bat (via @PitchingNinja).
Joyce has the stuff to be a dominant relief pitcher for years to come. It likely won't be long before he's in a closing role for the Angels.
Featured image via Saul Young/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK
