Ryan Ward has expressed a strong desire to stay on the Dodgers’ MLB roster since he was called up to fill in for Teoscar Hernandez, who is currently sidelined with a left hamstring strain.
In a recent appearance on Dodgers Territory on June 18, Ward attributed his early success in the major leagues to his dedicated practice sessions with Dodgers third base coach, Dino Eberle.
“Typically, I spend about an hour and 15 minutes to an hour and 30 minutes working one-on-one with Dino. We have our routine,” Ward mentioned. “…Then I jump right into some hand drills on the field. I appreciate this setup; it’s just us with no spectators around. It allows me to focus and perform my best,” he added.
Since making his debut with the Dodgers on May 29, Ward has played as a platoon outfielder, showing great promise as one of the team’s most reliable hitters. He boasts a batting average of .256, along with three home runs, 11 RBIs, and an .862 OPS.
Interestingly, he has outperformed some regular outfield players on the team, including Alex Cole and Kyle Tucker, who recently signed a hefty four-year, $240 million contract with the Dodgers.
With Tucker’s addition, manager Dave Roberts may soon face a difficult choice on who to let go when Hernandez is ready to come back, especially between Ward and Cole, who has a similar profile but lacks Ward’s power.
The situation regarding Ward’s place on the team following Hernandez’s return is still uncertain. But one thing is clear: he’s making the most of his time practicing with Eberle, even before the fans arrive.
“I can feel a bit awkward in certain scenarios, but I don’t mind the fact that people aren’t watching my practice. It creates a more relaxed environment for me,” Ward shared.
“Honestly, before [batting practice], I’m often heading back to the infield to work on ground balls and such. Once batting practice starts, I usually switch back to the outfield to focus on left field,” he concluded.
