Ben Joyce’s overall numbers might look solid with a 3.38 ERA and five saves after returning from shoulder surgery, but don’t let those fool you. The man himself says his game isn’t where he wants it, and the cracks are definitely showing early on with two blown saves and a flat-out scary eight walks in his last 7 1/3 innings of work. We’re talking about a guy who spent a hard two years away from the game, rehabbing a torn labrum, and he’s still battling to get that feel back.
The Rollercoaster Ride Back to the Mound
Joyce knows this comeback isn’t a straight line, telling reporters, “It’s a roller coaster, for sure. There’s ups and downs.” Those “ups” include 15 strikeouts in his 13 1/3 innings, showing the raw stuff is still there. But the “downs” are command issues, especially with his offspeed pitches. This early season stretch is all about getting back into game shape after a long time off, and it’s clear the mental side of big league save situations is a massive hurdle. He’s talking about how you can’t simulate “runners on first and second, one out in the ninth inning” in a rehab outing. That adrenaline rush? He hasn’t felt that in two years, and it’s showing.
Offspeed Woes Are Forcing the Fastball
The biggest tangible problem is Joyce’s struggle with his slider and splinker, that splitter-sinker hybrid. He’s battling command issues with both, which means he’s forced to rely almost entirely on his fastball. We’re talking 67% fastball usage, compared to just 25% for the splinker and a tiny 8% for the slider. He admitted rehab focuses on fastballs, and getting that slider feel back is “the last step.” He’s just trying to “put up a zero, get a save, whatever it might be,” and that makes working on those secondary pitches in high-leverage situations incredibly tough. It’s a delicate balance right now between getting the job done and truly getting back to his old self.
Zach Neto, meanwhile, just got a huge nod from MLB, being nominated for the Roberto Clemente Award. Each team gets one nomination, so that’s a massive honor for him and a testament to his character.
As for Joyce, he’s looking ahead to a healthy offseason to sharpen up even more. But for right now, his focus is on getting “wins every day,” even when his stuff isn’t its best. The team needs him to keep finding ways to get the job done, because every outing is a chance to get his feet back under him and keep building towards consistent command.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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