Los Angeles Angels promote former Tennessee pitcher Ben Joyce

The Los Angeles Angels have promoted right-handed pitcher Ben Joyce to the big leagues from their Double-A affiliate, the Rocket City Trash Pandas.

Joyce pitched in 14 games for the Trash Pandas, striking out 25 hitters in 15.2 innings with a 4.60 ERA and four saves.

The former Tennessee star played only one season with the Volunteers after two seasons at Walters State Community College in Tennessee and then one season out after Tommy John surgery. But his one year pitching for Tennessee was a memorable one.

During the Volunteers game against Auburn on May 1, 2022, Joyce threw the fastest recorded pitch in college baseball history at 105.5 miles per hour.

Joyce pitched in 27 games for Tennessee, striking out 53 hitters in 32.1 innings.

He will become the second player from the 2022 MLB Draft to make the majors for the Angels after shortstop Zach Neto. Neto was the team’s first round pick, selected at No. 13 out of Campbell.

The 22-year-old shortstop has played in 39 games so far in the big leagues and is currently hitting .252 with a .327 on-base percentage.