Angels News: Alek Manoah Reacts to Taylor Ward's Injury

The Angels outfielder was placed on the IL Sunday after being hit by a pitch.

Los Angeles Angels outfielder Taylor Ward was forced to leave Saturday's loss against the Toronto Blue Jays early after being hit by a pitch in the head thrown by Blue Jays starter Alek Manoah.

Manoah reacted to the injury postgame, expressing remorse for hitting Ward and wishing him well, per MLB.com's Keegan Matheson.

Alek Manoah on hitting Taylor Ward -- (Ward was taken to hospital for testing):

“That’s probably the worst feeling ever. I’m definitely going to pray for him and his family. That’s the last thing you want to do, no matter the situation, no matter the team, anything." #BlueJays

— Keegan Matheson (@KeeganMatheson) July 29, 2023

Ward was placed on the 10-day injured list early Sunday, and center fielder Mickey Moniak was moved over to left field to take Ward's normal spot in the outfield for the series finale.

Obviously, losing Ward to an injury like that is a terrible development for both him and the Angels.

Ward was in the midst of one of his best seasons in MLB, as he was slashing .253/.335/.421 with 14 home runs and 47 RBI in 97 games.

He'd played a key role in the Angels' winning ways of late as the Halos try to make a run down the stretch in an attempt to make their first playoff appearance since 2014.

The Angels had won nine out of their last 12 games before losing their first two games against the Blue Jays, and sit just five games out of a wild card spot as of Sunday morning.

Their recent acquisitions of Lucas Giolito and Reynaldo Lopez was a clear statement in general manager Perry Minasian's faith in the team, and the Angels are now well positioned to reward that faith down the stretch of the season.

Obviously, losing Ward doesn't help that cause, and it remains unknown how long he'll actually remain out even though he was initially placed on the 10-day IL.

Moniak and Trey Cabbage will need to step up in Ward's absence, but both have shown that they're capable of coming through for the Angels, especially the former who has an OPS of .918 over the last few weeks.