Angels News: Halos Draft Twin Brother of Current Reliever

The Halos now have a pair of Tennessee Vols in their organization.

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.

Zach Joyce— twin of Ben Joyce— just got drafted in the 14th round by the Angels.

He stepped away from pitching in ‘21 and ‘22 to focus on his mental health, returned in ‘23 and averaged 95 mph with a mid-80s slider in his first game back out of the pen.https://t.co/FC7qwS8Vgr

— BTH (@BeyondTheHalo) July 11, 2023

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.