Taylor Ward (knee) will serve as the designated hitter and bat leadoff in Thursday’s Cactus League game against the Mariners, per team reports.

Fantasy Impact

Ward, 31, has been out since Monday with knee soreness—something he’d tough out in the regular season, he said—but he’s back at full strength, building on a solid spring so far. Fantasy managers can lock in his steady bat and leadoff upside; this blip won’t shake his Opening Day readiness.

Taylor Ward could return to the Angels lineup as soon as Wednesday.

Fantasy Impact

Ward opened the week dealing with soreness in his knee. He remains day-to-day.

Taylor Ward is reportedly dealing with knee soreness.

Fantasy Impact

Ward is considered as day-to-day. He could be good to go later this week.

Taylor Ward said he wants to bat leadoff this year.

Fantasy Impact

“I like hitting first, really, just because knowing what pitch you’re going to see first," Ward said. "It’s a 99 percent chance it’s gonna be a fastball. I’m going to be swinging if it’s there, I’ll say that." Ward hit .246 last season with 25 home runs and 75 RBI. He'll likely have a chance to score a lot of runs this year hitting leadoff ahead of Luis Rengifo, Mike Trout and Jorge Soler.

Taylor Ward will play in the Angels spring training opener on Saturday against the Mariners.

Fantasy Impact

Ward appeared in 156 games last season, hitting .246 with a career-high 25 home runs and 75 RBI. He'll look to continue where he left off last season as he remains in left field for the Angels.