Originally published by DodgerBlue.com
The Los Angeles Dodgers activated Kris Bubic off the 60-day injured list and optioned Paul Gervase ahead of Wednesday’s game against the Cincinnati Reds. To make room on the 40-man roster, Ryan Ward was designated for assignment.
Bubic joins the Dodgers for the first time since being acquired from the Kansas City Royals ahead of the MLB trade deadline in exchange for Minor League pitcher Carlos Duran.
At the time, Bubic was on the injured list as he’s dealt with left elbow and shoulder soreness throughout the year. He made progress toward returning in June, but suffered a setback and received a cortisone shot.
The left-hander has been limited to just nine starts this season, where he posted a 4.11 ERA and 3.72 FIP across 50.1 innings. He struck out 9.12 hitters per nine, but walked 4.65.
Bubic was an All-Star starting pitcher in 2025 when he threw 116.1 innings with a 2.55 ERA. But with the Dodgers, he will pitch out of the bullpen.
He last pitched out of the bullpen in 2024, making 27 appearances and posting a 2.67 ERA and 1.95 FIP over 30.1 innings. He also struck out 11.57 hitters per nine innings and limited walks to just 1.48 per nine.
On his rehab assignment for the Dodgers, Bubic threw 5.2 scoreless innings and allowed just two hits while recording nine strikeouts across six appearances.
In parts of seven MLB seasons, Bubic owns a 22-38 record with a 4.14 ERA and 1.39 WHIP across 522 innings.
Paul Gervase optioned
Gervase was recalled on Monday, but he did not appear in a game. It marked his fifth time joining the Dodgers’ roster.
The 26-year-old has made four appearances for L.A. this season, firing 7.2 innings with eight strikeouts and a 2.35 ERA.
In 38 games with Triple-A Oklahoma City this year, he is 3-1 with a 4.56 ERA and 66 strikeouts in 47.1 innings.
He has appeared in 10 Major League games in his career, posting a 3.38 ERA with 16 strikeouts in 16.0 innings.
The 6-foot, 10-inch hurler was drafted by the New York Mets in the 12th round of the 2022 Draft out of Louisiana State University, and traded to the Dodgers by the Tampa Bay Rays before the trade deadline last year.
Ryan Ward designated for assignment
The Dodgers designated Ryan Ward for assignment after seven seasons in the organization, which included the left-handed hitter making his MLB debut earlier this year.
The 28-year-old outfielder appeared in 20 games for the Dodgers, hitting .218/.283/.455 with three home runs, 12 RBI and eight runs scored.
With the Triple-A Oklahoma City Comets, he hit .248/.349/.429 with 18 home runs, 82 RBI and 71 runs scored.
During the 2025 season, Ward won the Pacific Coast League MVP Award after hitting .290/.380/.557 with 36 home runs, 122 RBI and 113 runs scored, but he has been unable to replicate that success.
He was passed over on the Dodgers’ depth chart by Josue De Paula, and the club has a crowded group with Teoscar Hernandez, Kyle Tucker, Alex Call and Kiké Hernández as additional corner outfield options.
It would be somewhat surprising if Ward is not claimed off waivers by another organization that wants to give him a chance in a more significant MLB role.
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