USA TODAY Sports

Halos Draft Twin Brother of Current Reliever

Originally posted on Los Angeles Angels on SI
By Patrick Warren | Last updated 7/12/23

The Angels drafted Zach Joyce of the University of Tennessee in the 14th round Tuesday morning. It marked the second straight year that LA drafted a Joyce from Tennessee, as the Angels selected Zach's twin brother Ben in the third round last year.

Zach Joyce stepped away from pitching for two years before returning to the field in 2023. He pitched a total of 10.1 innings giving up 9 hits and 5 earned runs while throwing 17 strikeouts. His season ERA was 4.35 in his only season as a Vol.

Joyce missed two seasons of baseball due to focus on his mental health, which was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Like his brother, Zach has a strong arm, averaging 95 mph in the 2023 season.

Ben Joyce is rated as the Angels' No. 12 prospect and made his major league debut against the Chicago White Sox in June, giving up one hit and striking out two batters in a scoreless seventh inning. On the season, Joyce holds a 4.50 ERA over five appearances.

Both Joyce brothers played at Walters State Community College their freshman season. Zach held a 1.15 ERA while Ben held a 4.79 ERA and a 3-1 record as a starter.

Zach Joyce had been playing in the Cape Cod League this summer in an effort to attract scouts for the draft. He is expected to sign with the Angels and forego his final season of college eligibility.

This article first appeared on Los Angeles Angels on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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