The Toronto Blue Jays game on Saturday left Los Angeles Angels outfielder Taylor Ward with multiple facial fractures after he was struck in the face by a pitch. The team placed Ward on the 60-day injured list, meaning his recuperation would take a while.
Alek Manoah, the right-hander for the Blue Jays, let a fastball that clocked at 91 mph get past him, striking Ward in the head. Before being wheeled off the field, he remained on the ground and received medical attention.
Ward, who has been among the Angels’ most prolific hitters lately, will regrettably have his season cut short. Despite the frightening circumstances, there was some good news following the game, according to Jeff Fletcher of the O.C. Register: reports on the 29-year-old were positive.
The Angels outfielder’s manager, Phil Nevin, stated that every test performed on him revealed no ocular injury.
“After what happened, it’s the best news we could get,” Nevin stated on Sunday. He also mentioned that Ward was in “good spirits” when he was seen by Nevin on Saturday night, both at the hospital and the hotel following his discharge.
Although it’s anticipated that Ward will miss the rest of the season, he was able to speak with a few players who had sustained comparable injuries, which eased some of his concerns:
Nevin said that a number of major league players, some of whom had sustained comparable injuries, had been in touch with Ward.
Nevin stated, “I think that gave Taylor some comfort that he will return and be as good as he was.”
After the game, Manoah was clearly uncomfortable. Despite having a difficult season thus far, he made sure to get in touch with Ward and wish him well.
“Alek is in terrible pain,” Nevin stated. His response was visible from the mound. To be sure, there was never a time when we believed he was attempting to strike him. That was not the case. That kind of person makes you feel bad on both sides. It’s not easy to go through, you know. It’s all accidental. Despite the fact that we are aware of no malice, he reached out. He desired to speak with Taylor.
With 14 home runs, 47 RBI, and 60 runs scored this season, Ward has a.756 on-base plus slugging percentage. He has been on a scorching run with a 1.115 OPS in 14 games since the All-Star break.
On Thursday, Brandon Drury hopes to rejoin the Angels.
With Gio Urshela, Anthony Rendon, Zach Neto, and now Brandon Drury sidelined due to a shoulder ailment, it has been difficult to manage the number of Angels infielders out due to absences.
Drury established himself as a member of the All-Star team in his 106 plate appearances in June prior to going on the injured list. He recorded a 149 wRC+, five home runs, and eighteen RBI.
However, all indications are encouraging, moving him closer to his goal of making a comeback this week.
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