Dodgers Call Up Top Prospect Ryan Ward as Freddie Freeman Hits Paternity List
The Dodgers officially recalled top prospect Ryan Ward after placing Freddie Freeman on the paternity list, following a record-cold night win at Coors Field.
DENVER, CO—Late Friday night, after the Los Angeles Dodgers took care of business in a record-breaking cold night at Coors Field in Denver, Colorado, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reported that the team was set to call up top prospect Ryan Ward.
Still, no corresponding move was offically made with many members left to speculate on what the move would be, whether injury-related or another situation.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts ruled out a possible injury situation in yesterday’s pregame media scrum as many started to connect the dots to a foul ball that was hit off outfielder Teoscar Hernández’s foot, but that was not the case.
“No, not injury-related. Thank you for asking,” Roberts said.
However, we now have the official reason and the move: the Dodgers placed All-Star first baseman Freddie Freeman on the paternity list and recalled Ryan Ward in his place.
Freeeman will be granted 1-3 days of paternity leave under the 2011 policy, which supports family needs.
Ryan Ward Recalled
Ward will make his Major League debut the first time he takes the field, arriving in the big leagues at the relatively late age of 28. In a less crowded organization, he likely would’ve reached this stage much sooner, given his sustained success at Triple-A. Over the past four seasons in Oklahoma City, he’s posted a strong .264/.347/.511 slash line while blasting 94 home runs across 1,867 plate appearances.
The left-handed power hitter has also gotten off to a fast start this minor league season for the Comets, hitting .324/.432/.588 with six doubles, four home runs, and 14 RBI over 18 games.
This will mark the first opportunity the Pacific Coast League MVP will get with the big league club on the 26-man roster after finally being added to the Dodgers ’ 40-man roster in November.