I’m willing to bet we see changes in Houston this offseason.
Los Angeles Angels left fielder Taylor Ward was left a bloody mess after slamming his head into the Houston Astros’ metal scoreboard in the Daikin Park outfield, doing so while running for a deep left shot from Astros third baseman Ramion Urias. (RELATED: Nashville, Salt Lake City Are The ‘Two Heavy Favorites’ To Land MLB Expansion Franchises: REPORT)
Immediately, he waved over his teammates and coaches who were in the bullpen to come assist him with the bleeding. Ward had a huge gash that was above his right eye.
Los Angeles relief pitcher Andrew Chafin quickly put a towel to Ward’s face, speeding to his teammate after he slammed into the scoreboard.
Scary scene here in Houston.
Hopefully Taylor Ward is OK.
(Just last night after the game, he and Jo Adell were talking about how dangerous it can be to hit that that out of town scoreboard wrong.) pic.twitter.com/P6yAzKLCtx
— Jeff Fletcher (@JeffFletcherOCR) August 31, 2025
Ward was taken out of the game and removed off the field in a cart.
Ray Montgomery, the Angels‘ interim manager who is filling in for skipper Ron Washington, stated that Ward made his exit from the stadium in an ambulance where he would get sutures for his gash, according to the OC Register’s Jeff Fletcher.
Ray Montgomery said Ward’s eye seemed OK when they went out to see him. He has a cut above his eye. He went for some stitches and further evaluation.
— Jeff Fletcher (@JeffFletcherOCR) August 31, 2025
After this, I fully expect the Astros to make a move to nix and replace the scoreboard — how could you not?