diff --git a/src/battle_interface.c b/src/battle_interface.c
index 828b57a2f..b233627d8 100644
--- a/src/battle_interface.c
+++ b/src/battle_interface.c
@@ -729,6 +729,12 @@ u8 GetMegaIndicatorSpriteId(u32 healthboxSpriteId)
     return gSprites[spriteId].hOther_IndicatorSpriteId;
 }
 
+static void InitLastUsedBallAssets(void)
+{
+    gBattleStruct->ballSpriteIds[0] = MAX_SPRITES;
+    gBattleStruct->ballSpriteIds[1] = MAX_SPRITES;
+}
+
 u8 CreateBattlerHealthboxSprites(u8 battlerId)
 {
     s16 data6 = 0;
@@ -3195,6 +3201,14 @@ bool32 CanThrowLastUsedBall(void)
 
 void TryAddLastUsedBallItemSprites(void)
 {
+    if (gSaveBlock2Ptr->lastUsedBall != ITEM_NONE && !CheckBagHasItem(gSaveBlock2Ptr->lastUsedBall, 1))
+    {
+        // we're out of the last used ball, so just set it to the first ball in the bag
+        // we have to compact the bag first bc it is typically only compacted when you open it
+        CompactItemsInBagPocket(&gBagPockets[BALLS_POCKET]);
+        gSaveBlock2Ptr->lastUsedBall = gBagPockets[BALLS_POCKET].itemSlots[0].itemId;
+    }
+    
     if (CanThrowBall() != 0
      || (gBattleTypeFlags & BATTLE_TYPE_TRAINER)
      || !CheckBagHasItem(gSaveBlock2Ptr->lastUsedBall, 1))