In the midst of their road trip, the Los Angeles Dodgers have made a move pertaining to their roster.
The Los Angeles Dodgers make a long awaited move with one of their top prospects.
On Sunday morning, Los Angeles confirmed that they have called up infielder-outfielder Ryan Ward (Dodgers No.19 prospect). In the corresponding move, they have placed first baseman Freddie Freeman on the paternity list.
The intial reports of Ward's call-up came later Friday evening following the Dodgers' 7-1 victory over the Colorado Rockies.
Later reports from Jack Harris of the California Post confirmed that this was not a health-related roster move.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts addressed the report before last night's game, but did not give any specifics on which of his players would be moved.
Ward arrived with the Dodgers in Denver on Saturday, but per reports, is going to be on the taxi squad.
The 28-year-old prospect had been down in the minors for the last seven seasons and had the best season of his career last season with Oklahoma City.
He earned Pacific Coast League MVP honors after launching 36 home runs and an OPS of .937. Thus far in 2026, he's had a solid start at the plate with four home runs to his credit and an OPS of 1000.
"I really can't believe it," Ward told reporters about his call-up. "The emotions of that moment are indescribable. Getting this chance is truly amazing. I first called my mom and dad and fiancée, and everyone was crying."
Freeman's depature from the team was not a shock, but more or less expected. He announced this past spring that he and his wife were expecting their fourth child.
Paternity list departures usually last three days. But, in the meantime, there are plenty of options of who could man Freeman's everyday position.
Ward, of course, can be one of those options, with his two primary positions being in left field and first base. Dalton Rushing could be the leading candidate, especially with his otherworldy production at the plate as of late.
But just before Sunday afternoon's game, the Dodgers announced on their lineup card that Ward would be making his MLB debut batting seventh and playing first base.
Thus far in 2026, Freeman is hitting .296 and was starting to get his footing in the plate, recording yet another two-hit performance for the third straight game on Saturday.
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