Angels' hard-throwing Ben Joyce ready for chance against Astros

Much of the Los Angeles Angels' struggles this season can be blamed on an inconsistent and ineffective bullpen, but the club hopes the recent promotion of hard-throwing right-hander Ben Joyce can provide a boost. Joyce did not pitch in Friday's 7-1 loss to the Houston Astros, and the two clubs will meet again Saturday night in the second game of a three-game series in Anaheim, Calif. The Angels' bullpen has an ERA of 4.82, second highest in the American League this season. Joyce is a candidate to establish himself as a late-innings reliever, considering he throws a four-seam fastball that often hits 100 mph or higher.