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Ryan Ward on MLB Debut: ‘It Was a Lot of Fun’
TL;DR
Ryan Ward made his MLB debut for the Los Angeles Dodgers against the Colorado Rockies, going 2-for-5 with an RBI. He expressed excitement about the experience after being a standout in the Dodgers' farm system since 2019.
Key points
- Ryan Ward made his MLB debut on April 19, 2026.
- He played for the Los Angeles Dodgers against the Colorado Rockies.
- Ward replaced Freddie Freeman, who was on the paternity list.
- He had a performance of 2-for-5 with an RBI.
- Ward was a standout in the Dodgers' farm system since 2019.
Ryan WardLos Angeles DodgersColorado Rockies
Apr 19, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman Max Muncy (13) and shortstop Hyeseong Kim (6) and second baseman Alex Freeland (76) and first baseman Ryan Ward (67) in the fifth inning during a pitching change against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Ryan Ward only had good things to say following his MLB debut against the Colorado Rockies on Sunday.
Ward has been in the Dodgers’ farm system since they drafted him in 2019, though he has been a standout performer during his time in professional baseball. Dodgers fans called for Ward to come up to MLB in 2025, when he posted otherworldly numbers on his way to the Pacific Coast League’s MVP award, but he never got the promotion.
He finally got his opportunity in the big leagues Sunday when he replaced regular first baseman Freddie Freeman, who went on the paternity list, on the big league roster. Ward went 2-for-5 with an RBI in the loss.
“It was a lot of fun,” Ward said. “From start to finish. The butterflies were there, for sure, to start the game. They went away, though. Once the game started it was like ‘Okay, it’s just baseball,’ so it was a lot of fun to be out there.”
Despite Ward’s solid efforts—both at the plate and on defense—the Dodgers still fell short against the Rockies in the third game of the series and fell behind two games to one.
Q&A
What were Ryan Ward's stats in his MLB debut?
Ryan Ward went 2-for-5 with an RBI in his MLB debut.
Why did Ryan Ward get called up to the MLB?
Ryan Ward was called up to replace regular first baseman Freddie Freeman, who was on the paternity list.
When was Ryan Ward drafted by the Dodgers?
Ryan Ward was drafted by the Dodgers in 2019.
What awards did Ryan Ward win in the minor leagues?
Ryan Ward won the Pacific Coast League MVP award in 2025.