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Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Ryan Ward says he’s prepared for no matter alternative is afforded to him within the upcoming Main League Baseball season.
Ward appeared on Dodgers Dougout Stay with Doug McKain and mentioned his record-setting season with the Oklahoma Metropolis Comets which culminated in being added to the Dodgers’ 40-man roster this previous November.
Ward led the Pacific Coast League in house runs (36), RBIs (122) and whole bases (315) for the Comets, in the end being named the league’s Most Priceless Participant and changing into a darling of diehard Dodgers followers, particularly as different outfielders on the principle roster struggled notably behind the plate.
“I don’t know should you’re conscious of this, however you’re nearly this legendary determine now within the Dodgers’ minor league system,” McKain joked with the 27-year-old Massachusetts native. “The fan assist for you due to how profitable you’ve been [in the minors] … are you conscious of simply of how common you have been amongst Dodger followers?”
He stated he was conscious of his standing amongst Dodgers followers, however stated he didn’t let it get to his head and as a substitute stayed centered on making an attempt to “kick the door down.”
“I like the game, I recognize it greater than something,” he stated. “However I’m making an attempt to regulate what I can management … hold your ft the place they’re, concentrate on what’s at hand.”
Dodgers’ First-Class Minor League Tradition
Ward stated the ego-free tradition in Oklahoma Metropolis, the place he raked for 3 seasons whereas awaiting a call-up to the Bigs, helped hold him grounded and motivated regardless of racking up the accolades.
“Individuals all in minor leagues are asking themselves, like, ‘What else do I’ve to do to get again up there, or rise up there for the primary time?’” he stated. “I believe it’s a very good form of tradition to type of eliminate all that mindset of ‘I’m indignant, I’m pissed off’ … The Dodgers do an incredible job of at all times placing collectively nice guys and having nice groups.”
Ward was slowed by accidents early on his profession, and he’s nonetheless ready for his first Main League Hit. However he says offseason tweaks and plate self-discipline helped him make his case for significant taking part in time in 2026.
“I made an enormous dedication to decreasing my Chase, getting myself into higher counts, seeing extra pitches and actually searching one zone whereas studying to do extra homework on pitchers,” Ward stated. “That’s one thing that’s been a wrestle of mine is chase, strikeout price, probably not strolling. So final yr, taking that basically to coronary heart and committing myself to it, I obtained myself into higher counts, which clearly results in extra injury since you’re most likely going to get one thing higher to hit.”
Ward performed a number of roles for the Comets, primarily outfield whereas additionally platooning often at first base. He footage himself an outfielder on the Main League-level, and says he’s solely starting to scratch the floor of his defensive potential.
“After I first got here to the Dodgers, I had a couple of yr of outfield below my belt whole. So it was one the large issues that I nonetheless concentrate on at present,” Ward stated. “It’s one thing that I put a ton of labor into … so from the place I used to be to the place I’m now could be an unbelievable bounce.”
Ward Controls His Personal Future
Ward may have ample alternative to show himself when Spring Coaching kicks off subsequent month at Camelback Ranch. Dodgers Basic Supervisor Brandon Gomes stated they’ll give him his probability to make his case. Regardless of the vote of confidence from the entrance workplace, he says he’s solely extra motivated to point out out in Arizona.
“To me it’s like, ‘Okay, you’re going to get your alternative, you higher be prepared.’ So actually profiting from all this time and getting myself into the most effective spot potential to earn that chance,” Ward stated.
Ward’s finest probability at cracking the Dodgers’ Opening Day roster comes within the outfield with one in every of three positions thought of an open competitors barring a blockbuster commerce or one other free company mega-move. As of Jan. 14, Ward is one in every of solely 4 outfielders on the Dodgers’ 40-man roster, and he’s been floated as a potential “stopgap choice.”
If he’s capable of deliver his bat with him to Chavez Ravine, Dodgers fan might lastly get the chance to see if their people hero lives as much as their Herculean expectations.
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