dailyloe.com – Ryan Ward is finally getting his first major league call-up. The Los Angeles Dodgers are bringing the 28-year-old outfielder to Denver. He is expected to be officially activated during the weekend series against the Colorado Rockies. This promotion marks his first career opportunity in the majors after a long wait.
The Dodgers will place Ward on the taxi squad on Saturday. A source confirmed the choreographed nature of this promotion. It could suggest a non-injury-related roster maneuver. Another player might be going on the paternity list, according to the source.
The Athletic first reported the news of Ward’s call-up on Friday. Ward was originally an eighth-round draft pick in 2019. He has slowly climbed up the Dodgers’ farm system over seven years. Last season, he was the Pacific Coast League MVP with triple-A Oklahoma City.
In his MVP season, Ward hit .290 with 36 home runs and 122 RBIs. This season, he was batting .324 in his first 18 triple-A games. He added four more home runs and 14 RBIs to his resume. Despite these strong numbers, his MLB chance had been delayed.
Ward was added to the club’s 40-man roster at the end of last season. He did not make the big-league team after a poor spring training. Over seven minor league seasons, the left-handed hitter has a .266 average. He also has 154 home runs, 139 doubles, and 520 RBIs.
The Massachusetts native has received rave reviews from Dodgers personnel. They have praised his growth in recent seasons. Specifically, they noted his improved plate discipline. Since the start of last year, he has 95 walks against 141 strikeouts.
Ward is a corner outfielder by trade. He can also contribute at first base. Manager Dave Roberts commented on Ward’s performance this spring. “The thing I like about Ryan is he’s performed,” Roberts said.
“We’ve asked him to do certain things,” Roberts continued. He mentioned positional versatility and cutting back on strikeouts. The manager also noted the request to hit for more power. Roberts said Ward had done all that was asked of him.
Roberts said then he expected Ward to get an opportunity this year. “For him to not get a shot (yet), I’m sure he’s frustrated,” Roberts said. The manager added that such frustration was understandable. “But the message for him is to keep putting up numbers,” Roberts stated.
Roberts said the goal was to knock the door down. He expressed hope that the opportunity would come for Ward. Ward has done exactly that by continuing to perform. He currently ranks seventh in the PCL this season in OPS.
Now, his long-awaited chance has finally arrived. After seven years of waiting, Ryan Ward is on the verge of his MLB debut. The promotion comes during the Dodgers’ series in Colorado. His activation is expected later in the weekend.[]
Source: New York Post
