DENVER –– After seven years of ready for his shot, Ryan Ward is on the verge of his first big-league alternative.
The Dodgers are bringing Ward to Denver on Saturday and are anticipated to formally activate him later on this weekend’s collection in opposition to the Colorado Rockies, sources confirmed, marking what might be a primary profession call-up to the majors for the 28-year-old outfielder.
Whereas it wasn’t instantly clear what the corresponding roster transfer might be, the choreographed nature of Ward’s promotion –– he might be on the taxi squad Saturday, a supply mentioned –– may recommend a non-injury-related maneuver, reminiscent of one other participant happening the paternity listing.
The Athletic first reported the information of Ward’s call-up on Friday.
Ward was initially an eighth-round draft choose in 2019 who has slowly climbed up the Dodgers’ farm system. Final yr, he was the Pacific Coast League MVP with triple-A Oklahoma Metropolis, hitting .290 with 36 residence runs and 122 RBIs.
This season, he was batting .324 in his first 18 triple-A video games, including 4 extra residence runs and 14 RBIs to a distinguished minor-league resume.
Regardless of these gaudy numbers, Ward has needed to wait –– and wait, and wait –– for an opportunity on the MLB degree.
He was added to the membership’s 40-man roster on the finish of final season, however didn’t make the big-league staff after a poor spring coaching efficiency.
Nonetheless, over seven profession seasons within the minors, the left-handed hitter has a .266 common, 154 residence runs, 139 doubles and 520 RBIs.
The Massachusetts native and Bryant College product has obtained rave critiques from Dodgers personnel about his progress in latest seasons, particularly with the best way he has improved his plate self-discipline.
Because the begin of final yr, he has 95 walks in opposition to 141 strikeouts.
He’s a nook outfielder by commerce, however may also contribute at first base.
“The factor I like about Ryan is he’s carried out,” supervisor Dave Roberts mentioned this spring. “We’ve requested him to do sure issues, whether or not it’s positional versatility or slicing again on the strikeouts, hit for just a little extra energy. He’s accomplished all that.”
Roberts mentioned then he anticipated Ward to get a chance within the majors sooner or later this yr.
“For him to not get a shot (but), I’m positive he’s annoyed and understandably so,” Roberts mentioned. “However the message for him is to maintain placing up numbers and knock the door down and hopefully the chance comes for him.”
That’s precisely what Ward has accomplished, rating seventh within the PCL to this point this season in OPS. And now, his lengthy wait is nearly up, with a promotion to the majors having lastly arrived.
