The Los Angeles Dodgers have included Ryan Ward in their lineup for Sunday’s game against the Colorado Rockies, replacing Freddie Freeman, who is on the paternity list. Ward, a prospect drafted in 2019, will bat seventh and play first base.
Key points
Ryan Ward included in Dodgers lineup for Sunday game
Freddie Freeman placed on paternity list
Ward will bat seventh and play first base
Ward has been with Dodgers since 2019
Dodgers lost previous game 4-3
Los Angeles DodgersColorado RockiesRyan WardFreddie Freeman
Feb 22, 2026; Peoria, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Ryan Ward against the San Diego Padres during a spring training game at Peoria Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Feb 22, 2026; Peoria, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Ryan Ward against the San Diego Padres during a spring training game at Peoria Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
LA dropped the second game of the series Saturday, narrowly losing by a score of 4-3. They scored all three of their runs in the first two innings of the game, but the offense went quiet afterwards. Ahead of Sunday’s game, the Dodgers placed first baseman Freddie Freeman on the paternity list and called up long-awaited prospect Ryan Ward.
Ward has been in the Dodgers’ organization since they drafted him in 2019, and he is finally getting his shot in the bigs after a few fantastic seasons in Triple-A. He will bat seventh and play first base in Freeman’s place.
Q&A
Why did the Dodgers call up Ryan Ward for the game against the Rockies?
Ryan Ward was called up to replace Freddie Freeman, who is on the paternity list.
What position will Ryan Ward play in the Dodgers' lineup?
Ryan Ward will play first base in the Dodgers' lineup.
When was Ryan Ward drafted by the Dodgers?
Ryan Ward was drafted by the Dodgers in 2019.
How did the Dodgers perform in their last game against the Rockies?
The Dodgers lost the second game of the series against the Rockies by a score of 4-3.
Related Articles
Sports
Perez, Quatraro clear air about 'mental breather'
Salvador Perez and manager Matt Quatraro clear the air after social media drama.
ESPN News··1 min read
Sports
Van Dijk hands Liverpool a UCL boost and reason to believe after more late drama
Liverpool secures a thrilling late win against Everton in the Merseyside derby!
ESPN News··1 min read
Sports·Feature
Returning Clark focused on minimizing injury risk
Caitlin Clark is back on the practice court with the Indiana Fever after an injury-plagued 2025 season. Now fully healthy, she is focused on minimizing injury risks through tailored offseason training and recovery programs.
ESPN News··1 min read
Sports
Homa, after criticizing golf outbursts, throws club
Max Homa throws his club in frustration after criticizing golfers' behavior.
ESPN News··1 min read
Soccer·Recap
Celtic hammer St Mirren in extra time to reach Scottish Cup final
Celtic triumphs over St Mirren 6-2 in extra time to secure a spot in the Scottish Cup final!
Sky Sports··1 min read
Sports·Preview
NASCAR starting lineup for Cup Series race at Kansas in April 2026
Check out the NASCAR starting lineup for the April 2026 race at Kansas!
See every story in Sports — including breaking news and analysis.
Feb 22, 2026; Peoria, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Ryan Ward against the San Diego Padres during a spring training game at Peoria Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Feb 22, 2026; Peoria, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Ryan Ward against the San Diego Padres during a spring training game at Peoria Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
What Does the Dodgers’ Lineup Look Like?
Roki Sasaki will make his fourth start of the season against the Rockies, and will hope the NL West’s cellar dwellers can give him a confidence boost after how his first three starts went.
Sasaki has a 6.23 ERA this season, though has shown improvement in each of his starts.
The Dodgers’ lineup starts off just as it has for nearly the whole season, with designated hitter Shohei Ohtani batting first, right fielder Kyle Tucker batting second and catcher Will Smith batting third. Ohtani has the opportunity to make history Sunday, as he will have sole possession of the third longest on-base streak in Dodgers history if he manages a hit or walk in the outing.
Third baseman Max Muncy moves up to the cleanup spot, center fielder Andy Pages will bat fifth and left fielder Alex Call will make a rare start and bat sixth. Newcomer Ryan Ward will play first, as previously mentioned, and shortstop Hyeseong Kim and second baseman Alex Freeland will round out the lineup.
Dodgers Lineup vs. Rockies
Shohei Ohtani DH
Kyle Tucker RF
Will Smith C
Max Muncy 3B
Andy Pages CF
Alex Call LF
Ryan Ward 1B
Hyeseong Kim SS
Alex Freeland 2B
P. Roki Sasaki
How Do the Dodgers Match Up Into the Rockies?
The Dodgers will face off against the right-handed Michael Lorenzen, who is off to a rough start to the season following his triumphs with Team Italy in the 2026 World Baseball Classic.
He has a 1-2 record with an 8.10 ERA so far, but the Dodgers should still be wary, as the right-hander is a proven force in MLB and has a no-hitter under his belt.
LA will hope to regain the momentum in the series following Saturday’s loss and put a little more distance between themselves and the Padres, who won their game against the Los Angeles Angels on Saturday. First pitch for Sunday’s game comes at 12:10 p.m. PT.
