Ben Joyce Expected To Open Season In Closer Role
2 weeks agoAccording to Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com, Los Angeles Angels right-handed pitcher Ben Joyce is expected to be the "favorite" to be the team's closer to open the 2025 season. However, Bollinger noted that Joyce has yet to prove he can stay healthy for an entire season, which could open the door for other relievers to earn save opportunities. Bollinger mentioned that Robert Stephenson (elbow) will likely get a few looks when he recovers from his UCL surgery. Joyce pitched 34 2/3 innings of work in the major last summer. After allowing five runs over his first three outings, he held a near-perfect 0.83 ERA and a 0.95 WHIP over his final 32 2/3 innings of work. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor Joyce's status during spring training but should expect him to open the season as the team's top closer. However, fantasy managers should draft him with caution, given his injury history and the possibility that the Angels continue to ease his workload.
Source: Rhett Bollinger
Source: Rhett Bollinger