Dodgers Make Roster Moves: Kris Bubic Returns, Ryan Ward Designated for Assignment

The Los Angeles Dodgers have made significant roster moves, reinstating left-hander Kris Bubic from the 60-day injured list. To accommodate his return, right-hander Paul Gervase has been optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City, and outfielder Ryan Ward has been designated for assignment.

Kris Bubic's Return from Injury

Bubic, 29, was originally acquired from the Royals at the trade deadline but had been sidelined during that time due to acute health issues. Throughout his career, he's faced multiple challenges on the injury front, including Tommy John surgery that kept him off the field for most of the 2023 season. Such surgical interventions are often career-altering, and for Bubic, they have shaped a trajectory filled with potential disappointments. Although he made his return to the mound in 2024, it hasn't been smooth sailing. He initially started in a relief role before transitioning back into the rotation, ultimately making 20 starts before a setback from a rotator cuff strain further impeded his progress. In a season where he managed just nine starts, he recorded a 4.11 ERA—numbers that reflect both his talent and the unpredictability of his health.

Performance Potential Amidst Challenges

Despite these setbacks, the Dodgers see potential in Bubic, who has demonstrated flashes of brilliance when healthy. In his relief appearances during the 2024 season, he flaunted a 2.67 ERA, boasting impressive strikeout and walk rates. These metrics indicate not just a pitcher who can thrive when on the mound, but one who can also be an asset in high-pressure situations. Recently, Bubic completed a rehab assignment that showcased his recovery, throwing 5 2/3 scoreless innings while striking out ten and allowing only three walks. That’s a strong indicator that he could be primed for a significant role in the bullpen, an aspect that the Dodgers are excited about—especially with veteran closer Edwin Díaz struggling and Edgardo Henriquez facing injuries.

Challenges for Ryan Ward

With Bubic back and the pitching staff getting a needed boost, Ryan Ward finds himself on the outside looking in. At just 28 years old, Ward has exhibited extraordinary power in Triple-A—launching 21, 33, and 36 home runs over three seasons—but he hasn't been able to carve out a stable spot on the major league roster. Last November, he earned a place on the 40-man roster, yet actual opportunities to showcase his abilities have been limited, primarily due to established outfielders like Kyle Tucker and Teoscar Hernández occupying key spots in the lineup.

This season, Ward has appeared in 20 games at the major league level, hitting three home runs, but he’s seemingly been overshadowed by younger talent pushing up from the minors. To make matters worse, his overall performance in Triple-A included 18 home runs across 473 plate appearances. However, this year his power numbers have dipped significantly, yielding a batting line of .248/.349/.429—figures that exemplify his struggles to be consistent while competing against a younger generation of hitters.

Future Implications for the Dodgers and Ryan Ward

Despite being designated for assignment, Ward remains an intriguing player for other teams, given his offensive output in previous seasons. With the trade deadline now passed, he’ll go on waivers where he could see interest from organizations looking for a power hitter with potential upside. If you're working in this space, you'll want to keep an eye on where he lands next and whether he can find the consistency needed to thrive at the major league level.

As the Dodgers gear up for what they hope will be a playoff run, Bubic's return from injury could be pivotal in bolstering their pitching rotation and addressing their bullpen issues. The integration of a healthy Bubic will certainly be a topic of conversation among analysts—how he aligns with existing players and what impact he might have in high-stakes games remains to be seen. For Ward, this roster shift might represent a transitional phase in his career as he seeks opportunities elsewhere and aims to reclaim a spot in the major leagues.

Photo courtesy of Mark J. Rebilas, Imagn Images