Trending Now - Ryan Ward's Long Journey Culminates in Dodgers Debut
WHO:
MLB.com - Ryan Ward, 28, is a first baseman for the Los Angeles Dodgers.
MLB.com - Scott Hennessey is Ward's manager at Triple-A Oklahoma City.
MLB.com - Dave Roberts is the manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers.
ESPN - Freddie Freeman is a first baseman for the Los Angeles Dodgers and is on the paternity list.
WHAT:
MLB.com - Ryan Ward recorded two hits and one RBI in his MLB debut against the Colorado Rockies on April 20th, 2026.
MLB.com - Ward's first hit was a single to right field in the fourth inning, driving in Andy Pages.
MLB.com - Ward also singled to center in the sixth inning during a run-scoring rally.
ESPN - Ward batted seventh in the lineup for the Dodgers during his debut.
MLB.com - Ryan Ward made his MLB debut on April 20th, 2026.
MLB.com - Ward recorded his first hit and RBI in his second at-bat during his debut.
ESPN - Ward was recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City after Freeman was placed on the paternity list.
NY Post - Ward's wait to debut lasted seven years, three weeks, and one half-inning.
ESPN - Ward was the Pacific Coast League MVP in 2025, hitting 36 home runs and driving in 122 runs.
WHERE:
MLB.com - Ward's debut took place at Coors Field in Denver, Colorado.
ESPN - Ward was recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City, located in Oklahoma.
WHEN:
MLB.com - Ward was drafted by the Dodgers in the eighth round of the 2019 MLB Draft.
ESPN - Ward's call-up occurred on April 20th, 2026.
MLB.com - Ward was the Pacific Coast League MVP in 2025.
WHY:
MLB.com - Ward was called up to take Freeman's spot on the roster due to Freeman's paternity leave.
HOW:
MLB.com - Ward was pulled from a Triple-A game in Albuquerque just before his first at-bat to be informed of his call-up to the Dodgers.
MLB.com - Ward improved his performance by focusing on being more selective at the plate and studying pitchers.
ESPN - Ward batted .324 with four home runs and 14 RBIs in 18 games with Oklahoma City before his call-up.
(UPDATED April 20, 2026 19:33 UTC)
Ryan Ward made a splash in his MLB debut with the Dodgers against the Colorado Rockies, recording two hits and one RBI. He drove in Andy Pages with a single to right field in the fourth inning and added another single to center during a run-scoring rally in the sixth. Ward was called up from a Triple-A game in Albuquerque just before his first at-bat and batted seventh in the lineup.
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(UPDATED April 20, 2026 17:20 UTC)
Ryan Ward made his Major League Baseball debut on Monday, at Coors Field in Denver, Colorado, after being recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City to fill in for Freddie Freeman, who is currently on the paternity list. In his second at-bat, Ward recorded his first hit and RBI, capping off a long journey that included seven years of waiting and a standout season in 2025 where he was named the Pacific Coast League MVP. Before his call-up, Ward showcased impressive skills, batting .324 with four home runs and 14 RBIs in just 18 games with Oklahoma City.