The Los Angeles Dodgers did some roster shuffling before their game against the Colorado Rockies on Sunday, recalling Ryan Ward from Triple-A Oklahoma City as the corresponding move to Freddie Freeman going on the paternity list.
For Ward, it was a long-awaited promotion to the Majors after spending parts of seven years in the Minor Leagues. The 2025 Pacific Coast League MVP was off to another hot start with the Comets prior to joining the Dodgers.
With right-hander Michael Lorenzen on the mound for the Rockies, the Dodgers were originally planning to use Dalton Rushing at first base. However, the 25-year-old volunteered to give his start to Ward so he could get immediate playing time.
“I actually was going to start Dalton, and then I went to Dalton [Saturday] night and I said, ‘Hey, I’m going to go against what we talked about and I’m going to start Ryan, because…’ And Dalton finished my sentence and said, ‘Because he’s earned it,'” manager Dave Roberts explained on SportsNet LA.
“Dalton said he was going to come up to me and say to forgo a start and let Ryan start. That just speaks to Dalton being a teammate and getting it. There’s certain things you’ve just got to do because they’re the right thing. I also think [Ward is] good in this spot. Dalton is swinging a good bat, but I really wanted to get Ryan a start today.”
Ward went 2-for-5 with an RBI in the Dodgers’ 9-6 loss to the Rockies. His run-scoring single in the top of the fourth inning gave the team a 3-0 lead at the time.
Although he didn’t start on Sunday, Rushing still had an important at-bat in the top of ninth. Pinch-hitting for Alex Call with the bases loaded and one out, Rushing was robbed of a potential two-run single by second baseman Willi Castro.
Castro made a diving stop to his right and threw out Rushing at first base. While a run scored to pull the Dodgers within three, that would be all for the offense.
Ryan Ward robbed of hit to end game
Ward came up to the plate as the potential tying run, but was robbed of a third hit when right fielder Troy Johnston made a diving catch to end the game.
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