Dodgers GM Reveals Why Ryan Ward Got Call-Up Over Top Prospect James Tibbs III

The Los Angeles Dodgers recalled utility Ryan Ward from Triple-A on Friday. The franchise could have used the roster spot to call up their No. 10 overall prospect, James Tibbs III, for his MLB debut.

Oklahoma City’s James Tibbs III is introduced before a minor league baseball game between the Oklahoma City Comets and the Albuquerque Isotopes at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark in Oklahoma City, Friday, March 27, 2026. Photo Credit: BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn ImagesTibbs III is off to a strong start in his first season with Triple-A Oklahoma City. He is averaging .314 with a 1.047 OPS and 15 home runs across 52 games. The 23-year-old has also made appearances at first base, right field and designated hitter this season.

>Tibbs III is projected to make his MLB debut in 2027. But with both Teoscar Hernández and Kiké Hernández landing on the injured list this past week, the Dodgers could have used this an opportunity to call Tibbs III up.

>Instead, the Dodgers decided to recall their No. 19 overall prospect, Ward. He is expected to split time in left field with Alex Freeland, who the Dodgers recalled on Wednesday.

Ward’s MLB Experience Was A Factor in His Call-UpDodgers general manager Brandon Gomes said Ward’s previous MLB experience and his performance in Triple-A this season are the reasons Los Angeles called him up over Tibbs III.

>“Ward-o’s done it before. He’s done it for a while. It’s good to get him back up and into the mix and hopefully get a really opportunity here,” Gomes said, per Fabian Ardaya.

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“I think he’s performing great, obviously,” Gomes said of Tibbs, per The Athletic’s Katie Woo. “The numbers are fantastic. I just think Ward has done this for a while, and he’s certainly earned it. His numbers were nothing to scoff at in Triple A either, especially when you break out the (versus right-handed pitching) stuff.”

>Tibbs III has also reportedly been dealing with a minor forearm injury that has limited him to designated hitter since May 6, according to Ardaya. Ardaya reported that this is not the reason the Dodgers did not call him up.

>Meanwhile, Ward is slashing .254/.379/.418 with a .797 OPS and six home runs in 47 games. He made his MLB debut with the Dodgers on April 19, going for 2-for-6 with an RBI in two games.

>Photo Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

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