Dodgers Make Controversial Roster Moves

This week, the Dodgers faced some scrutinized decisions regarding their roster.

After Sunday’s game, it seems those choices might have paid off.

In a decisive 9-1 victory over the Phillies, Alex Freeland and Ryan Ward, both recently promoted to Triple-A, played pivotal roles. Their fourth-inning home runs helped the Dodgers clinch two out of three in this NL Division Series rematch.

“We spent the whole morning together playing games, discussing our routines, and talking about our strategy against the Phillies,” Ward shared. “To have both of us hit home runs in the same inning is a pretty special moment for us.”

Freeland stood out, going 2-for-3 with a walk and two RBIs. He took charge with a double in the second inning that connected with the center field wall, then further extended the lead with his solo homer in the fourth.

However, it was an eventful fourth inning; Ward was ejected right after hitting his first career home run during his very first game at Dodger Stadium. Once back in the dugout, the two embraced.

“I’m really thrilled for Ryan,” Freeland said. “I don’t think anyone deserves it more than he does. Sharing that moment together was special.”

Earlier this week, neither Freeland nor Ward was on the Dodgers’ major league roster. Their promotions were mainly due to injuries to Quique Hernández and Teoscar Hernández, creating a need for new players.

Yet, it was uncertain whether Freeland and Ward would actually get called up—other candidates waited in the wings.

Freeland was chosen over Hyesung Kim, who had struggled at second base and was thus demoted. Likewise, Ward got the nod over outfielder James Tibbs III, marking his second shot in the majors after a brief stint in two games earlier this season.

Some fans questioned these moves.

Then Sunday’s noteworthy performance seemed to validate them.

“Everyone in this locker room is talented in their own way,” Freeland noted. “A lot of us might be overlooked because of stars like Shohei [Ohtani] and Freddy [Freeman], but each one of us can play this game.”

Significance of the Game

After Tanner Scott’s slip on Saturday, the Dodgers rebounded with their 14th win in the last 17 games.

Of those victories, Sunday’s was quite remarkable.

Yoshinobu Yamamoto delivered an impressive outing, pitching for 5 1/3 innings without conceding a run. He allowed only four hits and two walks, striking out a season-high 10 batters.

The Dodgers provided ample run support by limiting Phillies rookie Andrew Painter to four runs in 3 1/3 innings, intensifying their scoring late in the game.

In addition to Freeland and Ward’s contributions, Ohtani (who extended his on-base streak to 16 games), Kyle Tucker (breaking out of a 1-for-16 slump), and Max Muncy, who leads the team with 14 homers, each delivered two hits. Alex Cole and Freeman also registered two RBIs apiece.

This win marked the Dodgers’ fifth in the series, elevating them to a season-high five-and-a-half game lead in the NL West.

Manager Dave Roberts expressed, “It was a good sign for the team that we could bounce back so quickly after last night.”

Who’s Performing Well

Ward hasn’t had much opportunity at the plate this season.

Yet, he’s made those chances count.

During his MLB debut with Colorado on April 19, he recorded two singles and an RBI. With his recent performance of 1-for-2 and a homer on Sunday, he’s now hitting .375 in his first three big league games.

“Just talking with Freeland on the bench today, he pointed out that Ryan is probably the most upbeat player in Triple-A,” Roberts mentioned about Ward, who spent seven years in the Dodgers’ farm system before reaching the majors this year.

“That speaks volumes about his character. If anyone had the right to be frustrated, it would be him. But he remained professional and easy to remember, making it simple to bring him up. I plan to give him chances to shine.”

Who’s Struggling

Home plate umpire Sean Barber faced scrutiny, as eight calls were reversed by the new ABS challenge system.

The first two RBIs occurred in the initial inning when backup catcher Dalton Rushing, who had scarce opportunities, successfully turned a called ball into a third strike, leading to a unique double-strike-out situation for Yamamoto.

Freeman, on the other hand, had a different experience; he initially earned a walk but was later declared out after a review showed a strike on a full count, even as he had already started to first base.

Not all feedback regarding ABS was negative for Barber, with both the Dodgers and Phillies losing one challenge each.

Nevertheless, having eight calls overturned was just shy of the season’s record for most in a single game.

Looking Ahead

The Dodgers will head to Arizona on Monday for a four-game series against the Diamondbacks, with Emmett Sheehan (3 wins, 1 loss, 4.70 ERA) slated to pitch against lefty Eduardo Rodriguez (5 wins, 1 loss, 2.31 ERA).