Angels record-breaking prodigy pitcher receives troubling injury update

Ben Joyce is one of the most tantalizing pitchers in the MLB when he is healthy.

Unfortunately, we might not see a healthy Joyce in game action for a while. 

The right-hander received some troubling injury news Friday, being put on the 60-day injured list due to an ongoing shoulder problem. 

“It’s frustrating for me, and I’m sure everyone else involved,” Joyce said. “I just want to pitch. I want to be part of the team. I don’t know exactly the concern level. We’re just kind of evaluating as we go.”

“I just want to be healthy. I want to contribute to the team. Obviously at this point, I just want to get healthy and not think about what the velo is. If I can pitch, whatever that is, I want to do it. But it definitely makes me rethink how I approach things on a day-to-day basis. Just whatever I can do to stay healthy.”

Joyce had Tommy John surgery in college and has battled through injury issues his whole career. Joyce last pitched on April 8.

In another surprising Angels’ pitching staff move, the team elected to send right-hander Ryan Johnson down to high-A. 

Johnson had been one of the team’s high-leverage relievers and notably made the team to begin the year despite not appearing in the minor leagues.

Johnson was sent down with the expectation of him working to become a starting pitcher — something he did throughout college.