The Los Angeles Dodgers recalled Ryan Ward from Triple-A Oklahoma City and placed Teoscar Hernández on the 10-day injured list with a left hamstring strain prior to Friday’s game against the Philadelphia Phillies
In addition, Hyeseong Kim was optioned to make room for Santiago Espinal, who was re-signed after clearing waivers and becoming a free agent. Blake Snell was transferred to the 60-day IL to make room for Espinal on the 40-man roster.
Hernández is the second position player the Dodgers have lost to the IL this week, joining Kiké Hernández. The veteran outfielder suffered his hamstring strain while running out a ground ball in the second inning on Wednesday.
Hernández immediately grabbed at his left hamstring after crossing first base and appeared frustrated as he walked back to the dugout and into the clubhouse.
“Don’t know how severe it is,” manager Dave Roberts said after the Dodgers’ 4-1 win. “He tested well, but we’re going to get a scan tomorrow. Obviously it’s an IL, but there’s just no timeline.
“Something like that, obviously it’s going to be a few weeks at the minimum. Disappointing. He’s been playing so well and he’s a big part of what we’re doing, so to lose him for any length of time is not great.”
On Friday, Roberts said an MRI revealed Hernández has a Grade 1 left hamstring strain but added he wasn’t sure of a timeline for return.
Ryan Ward back with Dodgers
This now marks Ward’s second stint up with the Dodgers this season after previously joining the team in the middle of April, when Freddie Freeman went on the paternity list.
Ward appeared in two games during that brief stretch, making his MLB debut with a start at first base on April 19. It had been a long time coming for the reigning Pacific Coast League MVP, and his journey is one that resonates with Roberts.
“He’s a guy that when you look at him, he’s never been that big prospect. For me, I really believe in meritocracy and performance,” Roberts said last month. “He’s a guy that 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, so I am sensitive to guys like him.”
Ward hasn’t replicated last year’s same level of success at Triple-A this season, as he’s batting .254/.379/.418 with nine doubles, one triple, six home runs and 31 RBI.
Ward is expected to be part of a soft platoon with Alex Call in left field. Roberts had mentioned Hyeseong Kim was a candidate receive some opportunities as well, but he was optioned as a corresponding move to Santiago Espinal getting re-signed.
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