Former Tennessee Vols star dominates MLB MVP candidate in sequence only he could accomplish

Ben Joyce can't stop making headlines in Major League Baseball. The former Tennessee Volunteers star pitcher has been one of the best relievers in baseball for the Los Angeles Angels in 2024.

His latest outing was another example of his unique, dynamic arsenal.

Ben Joyce strikes out AL MVP candidate Bobby Witt Jr.

As you can see, some at-bats are simply unfair against Joyce. He was facing one of the top pure hitters in all of baseball, and Witt looked completely baffled by the former Vols fireballer.

The pitch mix for Joyce is unlike almost any other pitcher in baseball. He throws consistent triple digits with his fastball, but his "splinker", a splitter/sinker hybrid, has come a long way. Joyce hits the mid-90s with it and its shape has given hitters fits at the pro level.

Joyce has appeared in 26 games this season Los Angeles. 22 of those performances have been scoreless ones for Joyce . He's given up just three runs since June 11th.

Joyce made the jump from double-A straight to the majors for the Angels in 2023. They clearly thought that his talent was ready for a spot in their bullpen early on in his pro career. So far, he's proving them right. -- A to Z Sports

The dominant reliever has not forgotten where he came from, either. He still remembers his Vols days quite fondly, and he proved that last weekend .

Joyce pitched against the Braves while wearing some custom orange and white cleats with his nickname, the Volunteer fireman, etched on the side.

The former Vols pitcher is one of the most electric, high leverage relievers in the MLB. The Angels assuredly plan on the "Volunteer Fireman" being an impactful piece to their bullpen for seasons to come.

Related: Tennessee Vols pitcher Ben Joyce did something that no MLB pitcher has ever done