Angels News: Taylor Ward Forced to Exit Game Early After Awful Hit By Pitch

Ward was down for several minutes before being carted off the field.

A hush fell on the Rogers Centre when Taylor Ward fell to the ground after being struck by a 92 MPH fastball from starting pitcher Alex Manoah.

Ward was carted off with athletic trainers holding a towel over his face, putting pressure on an open wound. There is little to no information about what Ward's injury is, but the ball seemed to strike him in the area around his left eye and nose and blood could be seen dripping from his face.

Ward's injury came in the fifth inning with the Angels facing a bases-loaded, one-out situation. The Angels scored a run after Ward was hit by Manoah's pitch.

Manoah exited the game after the incident. Shohei Ohtani was intentionally walked and Mickey Moniak subsequently was walked to load the bases for the Angels.

Taylor Ward is exiting on a medical cart. He was able to stand. Applying pressure to his nose/face. Blue Jays fans gave him a nice ovation.

Reply showed it hit both his helmet and face.

Hopefully Ward is OK. Hard to watch.

— Sam Blum (@SamBlum3) July 29, 2023

The Angels currently lead the Blue Jays 1-1 and Ward is expected to be transported to a local hospital immediately. 

According to The Orange County Register's Jeff Fletcher, Luis Rengifo will play in left field and Andrew Velazquez will play shortstop in the wake of Ward's injury.

We will provide an update when more information on Ward's condition becomes available.