Angels’ Taylor Ward falters as he deals with the effects of another pitch to his head – Orange County Register

Angels’ Taylor Ward, right, reacts after being hit in the head by a pitch as Detroit Tigers catcher Carson Kelly looks on during the ninth inning of a baseball game, Sunday, June 30, 2024, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

ANAHEIM — When Taylor Ward described what had been happening with his production lately, he didn’t even have to say the words to make his point.

“I just keep turning the page in certain situations,” Ward said. “Just to have a better idea. I started thinking in the wrong direction.”

After Ward made this indirect admission, manager Ron Washington was much clearer.

“I don’t want to repeat it, but he got hit,” Washington said. “Ever since he got hit, he’s been giving up the outside part of the plate and shying away from the ball inside. And the only person who can change that is Taylor. Other than that, Taylor Ward is fine. He just needs to find his courage again.”

Ward was hit in the face by a pitch last July and had to undergo surgery to repair multiple facial fractures that ended his season. Since the start of spring training, Ward has faced questions about whether the incident would have any lingering effects.

During the spring and early part of the season, Ward had to dodge some inside shots, but there were no signs of that being a problem. He got off to a good start and still posted an above-average OPS of .773 before the June 30 game.

Then, in the ninth inning, Detroit Tigers right-hander Shelby Miller threw a 93 mph fastball that hit Ward in the helmet. Although he wasn’t hurt, he was clearly affected.

Since then, Ward has a .140 batting average and a .376 OPS. He has 17 strikeouts and four walks in 47 plate appearances.

Ward hit a double on Saturday night, which he called an encouraging sign.

“I think it’s a step in the right direction,” he said Sunday morning. “I’m getting back to where I want to be. I’m just continuing to try to get over it.”

Washington, who admitted he had never suffered an injury similar to the one Ward suffered when a pitch hit him in the head, said there was nothing that could help him.

“It’s going to be up to Taylor to dig in and be Taylor and not give in to pitchers who throw up and in because they know they can get up and in,” Washington said. “You have to learn when they’re going to get up and in to give him a foothold. I’m not going to give in.”

Infielder Luis Rengifo (wrist inflammation) has not yet started playing baseball. Washington said he could return to batting after the break. ….

Washington said Mike Trout (torn meniscus) can still reach his goal of returning by the end of July. “Trout believes in it and is doing everything he can to make it happen,” Washington said. Trout has been running and swinging a little bit but hasn’t made any sprints or cuts. “What he needs to do is go to the outfield, chase balls, stop, throw, turn, sit down and go back out there and do the same thing,” Washington said. “Once he gets that done, he’ll be ready.” …

Infielder Luis Guillorme was removed from Sunday’s lineup at short notice due to back problems.

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