Angels' Manager Labels Taylor Ward MVP-Level Despite Recent Struggles

Nothing but belief in his outfielder!

When Mickey Moniak was first called up about nine games ago to join the Los Angeles Angels' big league roster, nobody realistically expected him to perform the way he has thus far. He's been on record saying that he just wanted the big stage again to shine and he has done just that.

Starting off with a homer in his first at-bat of the season, Moniak is slashing an elite .429/.448/.893 and has already saved the Halos in multiple games. He and Zach Neto have been providing a certain energy to the franchise that we have not seen in quite some time.

However, one of the downsides to his spectacular play, which is not his fault at all, is that Taylor Ward is growing more accustomed to sitting out as Moniak has been favored in this recent stretch. In 46 games in 2023, Ward's numbers have plummeted as he is recording a slash line of .227/.303/.320 and has struck out 42 times compared to his 39 hits and 17 walks.

#LAAngels Mickey Moniak is earning more playing time. Came up and crushing:
- 3HR/2SB
- 37.9% K% (Yikes) and .643 BABIP
- 1.341 OPS

This comes at the expense of Taylor Ward:
- Has only started vs 2 of last 5 RHP
- .642 OPS and 78 wRC+ vs RHP (worse vs LHP so far this year) pic.twitter.com/bcLCbdCqTb

— Mike Kurland (@Mike_Kurland) May 23, 2023

Phil Nevin Is His Biggest Fan

This is still Phil Nevin's first rodeo as the manager of the Angels and he's been give quite the intriguing roster. Should the Halos want to make a legit run to the postseason this year, Ward returning to top form would go a long way for them.

Nevin is doing everything he can to keep his confidence up and went as far to say that he has MVP-level talent within him.

“I’m on record saying between Mike (Trout) and Shohei (Ohtani) I have two legitimate MVP-caliber guys, and (Anthony Rendon) has been in that conversation before,” said Nevin. “There’s no reason with the talent that Taylor has that he’s not in that conversation as well. And I still feel that way. When he’s going right, he’s one of the best hitters in this game. Our job is to get him going right again.”

(Via OC Register)

Taylor Ward and the @Angels put up a 4-spot in the first. 💪 pic.twitter.com/h1xIpGHxoY

— MLB (@MLB) May 3, 2023

Ward has had his moments this season so all of the skill is clearly still there. However, it will just be a matter of him reflecting during these DNP's and looking to compete.