Ryan Ward, a longtime prospect for the Dodgers, is receiving his first call-up to the MLB.

Ryan Ward’s Major League Opportunity

DENVER –– After a long seven years, Ryan Ward is about to get his first chance in the big leagues.

The Dodgers have confirmed that Ward will be heading to Denver this Saturday to participate in the second half of the series against the Colorado Rockies. This marks the 28-year-old outfielder’s debut in the majors.

While the specific roster moves related to his promotion aren’t clear yet, it seems that Ward is set to join the taxi squad on Saturday. This could imply changes not tied to injuries, possibly involving roster expansions.

News of Ward’s call-up was first reported by The Athletic on Friday.

Ward was drafted in the eighth round back in 2019, slowly climbing the ranks within the Dodgers’ minor league system. Last season, he had an impressive .290 batting average, with 36 home runs and 122 RBIs for Triple-A Oklahoma City, earning him the title of Pacific Coast League MVP.

This season, he continued to shine, hitting .324 in his first 18 games, with four home runs and 14 RBIs. Notably, he’s had quite a solid minor league career overall.

Yet, despite these impressive statistics, Ward had to be patient for his MLB opportunity. He made it onto the club’s 40-man roster last year but struggled during spring training and didn’t make the major league team.

In seven seasons in the minors, the left-handed batter has a .266 average, with 154 home runs, 139 doubles, and 520 RBIs.

Ward, a Massachusetts native and Bryant University alum, has gained praise from Dodgers staff for his development in recent years, particularly for his increased plate discipline.

Since last year, he has racked up 95 walks against 141 strikeouts.

While primarily a corner outfielder, he can also play first base when needed.

“What I appreciate about Ryan is his performance,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts stated in spring training. “He’s made strides in versatility, reduced his strikeouts, and hit with more power. He’s done all of that.”

Roberts also indicated earlier that he anticipated giving Ward a shot in the majors this year.

“I’m sure he’s feeling a bit frustrated about not being called up yet, and that’s understandable,” Roberts commented. “The key is for him to keep producing and stay ready for when the opportunity arises.”