Dodgers prospect Ryan Ward, 28, gets first MLB call-up

The Dodgers are bringing 28-year-old prospect Ryan Ward to Denver and are expected to activate him during the weekend series, marking his first major-league call-up. Ward was the Pacific Coast League MVP last year and has started this season strongly at Triple-A.

Ryan Ward, a 28-year-old outfielder in the Dodgers organization, is headed to Denver and is expected to be activated during the weekend series against the Colorado Rockies. The move would mark his first career call-up to the major leagues after seven seasons in the minors. Ward was the Pacific Coast League MVP last year with Triple-A Oklahoma City and has begun this season with strong offensive numbers at Triple-A. Dodgers personnel have highlighted improvements in his plate discipline and positional versatility. Key details: - The Dodgers are bringing Ward to Denver and plan to have him on the taxi squad Saturday, with an activation expected during the weekend series, sources said. - The corresponding roster move was not immediately clear; the timing could indicate a non-injury roster maneuver such as a paternity list placement, a source said. - Ward was an eighth-round pick in 2019 and was added to the Dodgers' 40-man roster at the end of last season but did not make the big-league team after a poor spring training showing. - He was the Pacific Coast League MVP last year, hitting .290 with 36 home runs and 122 RBIs for Triple-A Oklahoma City, and this season he hit .324 in his first 18 Triple-A games with four home runs and 14 RBIs. - Over seven minor-league seasons he has a .266 average with 154 home runs, 139 doubles and 520 RBIs, and Dodgers staff noted improved plate discipline (95 walks against 141 strikeouts since the start of last year). Summary: Ward's promotion gives him his first opportunity on a major-league roster after an extended minor-league career and reflects recent performance and organizational confidence. The immediate next step is his presence on the taxi squad Saturday and an expected activation during the weekend series in Denver. Additional roster details were not announced.