Dodgers activate Teoscar Hernández from IL, option Ryan Ward to Triple-A

Teoscar Hernández, a veteran outfielder with 224 career home runs, is back with the Los Angeles Dodgers after recovering from a hamstring injury. He had been sidelined for about a month.

Hernández's performance in April showed a .238 batting average with four home runs and 16 RBIs. In May, he hit three home runs and drove in 14 runs, maintaining an .882 OPS before his injury. His return prompts a roster move, with Ryan Ward being sent down to Triple-A.

Ward, 28, made his MLB debut this season, appearing in 20 games. He recorded three home runs and 12 RBIs with a .218 batting average and a .738 OPS. However, Ward has struggled recently, going hitless in his last 12 at-bats over five games. The Dodgers exercised their option to send him to Triple-A.

Ward gained the nickname "Friend of Taiwan" after his performance in the 2024 World Baseball Softball Confederation Premier12 tournament. He hit a crucial home run in the ninth inning against Venezuela, which helped the United States secure a victory and indirectly allowed Taiwan to advance to the championship game.