Ward greets new role with 1st multi-homer gameANAHEIM

— Two-way star Shohei Ohtani was moved down in the lineup out of the leadoff spot for the first time this season on Monday but Angels manager Joe Maddon stressed before the game it was more about the emergence of Taylor Ward than an effort to get Ohtani going at the plate.Los Angeles Angels Svg, Los Angeles Angels Logo MLB Svg, Angels Svg, Angels Baseball Svg, MLB Logo Svg, Sport Svg

Ward has been off to a scorching start to the season offensively, while Ohtani has scuffled a bit by his lofty standards. Maddon’s move worked to perfection right out of the gate, as Ward homered twice off Guardians ace Shane Bieber in a 3-0 win at Angel Stadium. It was the first career multi-homer game for Ward, who is batting .367/.525/.700 with three homers and five RBIs in nine games after missing the club’s first eight games with a strained left groin.Kansas City Royals Svg, Kansas City Royals Logo MLB Svg, Royals Svg, Kansas City Royal Baseball Svg, MLB Logo Svg

“I just wanted him to get on base, I didn’t say anything about cleaning them up,” Angels manager Joe Maddon said with a laugh. “He had a pretty good day. Obviously, he’s a good hitter. And Bieber is good. He knows what he’s doing and has a variety of pitches. It was a tough first at-bat but he fought back and that was the ballgame for us. He was outstanding.”