Ryan Ward Is Finally Getting His Shot After 7 Years Grinding in the Minors, and the Dodgers Are All In

Freddie Freeman's heading home for a few days, which means the Los Angeles Dodgers just gave a 28-year-old minor league lifer his moment. Ryan Ward got the call Sunday and will make his major league debut against the Colorado Rockies, starting at first base and batting seventh. Seven years. That's how long Ward has been clawing through the Dodgers organization waiting for this exact moment.

From Eighth Round Pick to PCL MVP

The Dodgers drafted Ward in the eighth round back in 2019. Not exactly a top prospect. Not a household name. Just a guy who refused to quit. He worked his way through the minors and landed in Triple-A Oklahoma City in 2024, then absolutely went off in 2025. Ward was named the Pacific Coast League MVP after crushing 36 home runs and knocking in 122 runs for the Comets. In 18 games with Oklahoma City before his call-up, he was batting .324 with four more dingers. The numbers don't lie.

Dave Roberts Believes in Guys Who Earn It

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts gets it. "He's a guy that, he's never been that big prospect," Roberts said. "I really believe in meritocracy and performing. Nothing was given to him, he's had to earn it and continue to earn it and continue to prove it. I do relate to that, and so I'm sensitive to guys like him." That's respect. Ward has 696 minor league games under his belt, batting .266 with 154 home runs and 520 RBIs. This isn't some unknown. This is a guy who put in the work.

Freeman announced back in February that he and his wife Chelsea were expecting their fourth child, which prompted the paternity list move Sunday. Freeman's been solid to start the season, hitting .296 with three homers and 14 RBIs so far.

Ward gets his chance tonight in Denver. Seven years of grinding, one game to make it count.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.