Angels left fielder Taylor Ward was forced to leave Saturday’s game against the Blue Jays after getting struck in the head by a pitch from Alex Manoah.
With the bases loaded in the top of the fifth inning, Ward took a 2–0, 92 mph offering from the Toronto starter straight to the forehead. He dropped to the ground and was visibly bleeding as medical staff rushed out to meet him.
Right after throwing the pitch, Manoah was among the players around the diamond to recoil and express concern for Ward, who remained down.
Scary moment as Taylor Ward takes an Alek Manoah pitch up high. pic.twitter.com/4BJZ77GCgA
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) July 29, 2023
Ward was eventually able to sit up after the injury once he was helped into a cart. He left the field to a standing ovation from the Toronto crowd.
Ward was officially removed from the game following the scary incident and replaced by Andrew Velazquez on first base. Manoah also left the tied ballgame following the pitch after appearing visibly shaken up by the at-bat.
Angels manager Phil Nevin stated after the game that Ward was taken to a local hospital to undergo further testing.
Ward has enjoyed a solid month of July coming into Saturday’s tilt, hitting .313 with five home runs and 16 RBIs in 67 at-bats. As the Angels continue their playoff stretch, the club is hoping the 29-year-old can avoid any extended absence, despite Saturday’s injury.
