Zach Joyce — the twin brother of Tennessee pitcher Ben Joyce — is joining the Tennessee baseball team for the 2023 season, VR2’s Jake Nichols first reported and a UT spokesperson confirmed Friday morning.
Zach committed to Tennessee with his brother out of Walters State after posting a 1.15 ERA in 15.2 innings pitched during the 2019 season. He stepped away from baseball in the fall of 2020 after arriving at Tennessee, around the same time his brother went through Tommy John surgery.
Zach had Tommy John surgery at Walters State, contributing to his step away from baseball.
While Zach is rejoining his brother in the Tennessee baseball program, he could soon be the only Joyce at UT.
Ben is projected as a MLB Draft selection after becoming a household name in his redshirt junior season. The former Farragut standout earned the ‘Volunteer Fireman’ nickname with his ability to frequently throw 100 mph including a 105.5 mph fastball — the fastest recorded pitch in college baseball history.
While Tennessee will return its weekend pitching rotation of Chase Burns, Chase Dollander and Drew Beam, the Vols will face turnover in its bullpen.
Ben Joyce, Camden Sewell and Will Mabrey are likely MLB Draft selections though they could elect to return to school even if selected. Tennessee all-time save leader Redmond Walsh is also departing the program after running out of eligibility.
