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Ryan Ward gets first major league shot with Dodgers
TL;DR
Ryan Ward has been called up to the Dodgers for his first major league opportunity due to Freddie Freeman's paternity leave. At 28 years old, Ward could become the oldest Dodgers draft pick to debut with the team.
Key points
- Ryan Ward called up to Dodgers due to Freeman's paternity leave
- Ward could be oldest Dodgers draft pick to debut
- Freeman's paternity leave lasts 1 to 3 days
- Ward's age at potential debut is 28 years, 55 days
- Previous record held by Geoff Zahn at 27 years, 257 days
Mentioned in this story
Ryan WardFreddie Freeman
Los Angeles Dodgers
Oklahoma City's Ryan Ward (10) throws to first for an out during the minor league baseball between the Oklahoma City Comets and the Tacoma Rainers a the Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark in Oklahoma City, Wednesday, April, 16, 2025. | SARAH PHIPPS/THE OKLAHOMAN / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman was placed on the paternity list on Sunday, as he and his wife Chelsea are expecting their fourth child, their first daughter to join their three sons.
That opened the door for Ryan Ward, at age 28, to get called up to the major leagues for the first time. At 28 years, 55 days old, Ward if he gets into a game will be the oldest Dodgers draft pick to debut with the team. Geoff Zahn, a pitcher drafted in 1968 who debuted with Los Angeles at 27 years, 257 days in 1973, held the previous mark.
Paternity leave in Major League Baseball is a minimum of one day and a maximum of three days, so this window for Ward will likely be short.
Ward was originally slated to start Friday night’s game for Oklahoma City, but was a late scratch, with Nick Senzel filling in at first base. Ward picked right up where he left off last season , hitting .324/.432/.588 with a 165 wRC+ this season in Triple-A, with four home runs, six doubles, and 14 RBI in 18 games while splitting time between first base and left field.
Q&A
Why was Ryan Ward called up to the Dodgers?
Ryan Ward was called up to the Dodgers because Freddie Freeman was placed on the paternity list.
What record could Ryan Ward set with his MLB debut?
If he plays, Ryan Ward could become the oldest Dodgers draft pick to debut at 28 years and 55 days old.
How long is Freddie Freeman expected to be on paternity leave?
Freddie Freeman's paternity leave in Major League Baseball can last from one to three days.
Who held the previous record for oldest Dodgers draft pick debut?
Geoff Zahn held the previous record, debuting at 27 years and 257 days old in 1973.