Tennessee Baseball: Tony Vitello offers advice to MLB teams that might draft RHP Ben Joyce
Tennessee Vols baseball coach Tony Vitello offered some advice on Saturday for MLB teams that might be considering drafting RHP Ben Joyce in the 2022 MLB Draft. Joyce has become somewhat of a legend over the last couple of months, thanks to his electric fastball that often reaches 105 MPH. Not only can Joyce throw […]
Tennessee Vols baseball coach Tony Vitello offered some advice on Saturday for MLB teams that might be considering drafting RHP Ben Joyce in the 2022 MLB Draft.
Joyce has become somewhat of a legend over the last couple of months, thanks to his electric fastball that often reaches 105 MPH. Not only can Joyce throw some ridiculous heat, but he can also locate his fastball.
Joyce had been used exclusively as a relief pitcher in 2022 until this weekend when he made his first career start for the Vols against Georgia.
The Tennessee native underwent Tommy John surgery in 2020 and sat out the entire 2021 season. Vitello has been careful with Joyce, easing him back into action as the flamethrower attempts to build back up to being a starting pitcher.
Joyce is in a strange position as an MLB draft prospect. He clearly has the tools to be a dominant pitcher, but he doesn't have extensive starting experience for scouts to dive into.
Vitello, however, is hoping that an MLB team will give Joyce a shot at being a starter.
I think an MLB team will definitely give Joyce a shot at being a starter. It's a no-lose situation. If Joyce doesn't work out as a starter, he can still be a dominant relief pitcher. Imagine facing 105 in the 9th inning of a one-run game. That's a scary thought for a hitter.
I don't know how high Joyce will go in the draft, it depends on how teams value his upside, but someone will be getting an electric pitcher who has All-Star potential in Ben Joyce.
Featured image via Saul Young/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK
