SAN DIEGO -- Taylor Ward admitted that would often fall asleep thinking about this moment. His dream finally became a reality on Tuesday, when he received his first big league callup with the Angels.
"It was a surprise," Ward said. "I'm very lucky to be here. Very excited."
In his first big league at-bat in the second inning of the Angels' 7-3 win at Petco Park, Ward doubled and drove in a run to put the Angels up, 1-0, against the Padres. He went 2-for-3, walking in the fourth and singling to right field in the sixth.

Ward, who is ranked the Angels' No. 8 prospect, according to MLB Pipeline, started at third base and batted seventh. Selected by the Angels as a catcher in the first round of the 2015 Draft, Ward transitioned to third at the beginning of the season, a switch that helped accelerate his path to the Majors.
Infielder Jose Fernandez was optioned to Triple-A Salt Lake to clear a roster spot for Ward, and Chris Young (right hip surgery) was transferred to the 60-day disabled list to create a vacancy on the 40-man roster.
After underwhelming in his first few years in the Minors, Ward has enjoyed a breakout season at the plate, hitting .349 with a .977 OPS, 14 home runs and 60 RBIs over 102 games between Double-A Mobile and Triple-A Salt Lake this season.
"I did a lot of things in this offseason to really refine my swing and get into positions that I can easily repeat," the right-handed-hitting Ward said. "That's what I've done so far this year. I've worked very hard to get here, with my swing, as with third base. I'm feeling good offensively as well."
The Angels believe the position change also helped Ward unlock his offensive potential, as he was no longer burdened by the responsibilities of catching. Ward said he was initially "very shocked" when the Angels approached him about moving to third base during Spring Training.
"I feel good," Ward said. "Of course, there's a lot of tweaking that's been going on. In the past three or four games in Salt Lake, I found a routine before every pitch that will get me in the right position to make the best decision as quickly as I can. The last four days, I felt really good in Salt Lake with that. Right now, I'm feeling very confident."

Ward, 24, said he is still working on getting consistent reads and on staying locked in on every pitch.
"That's something that has to come with experience," Ward said. "To be here right now with the little bit of experience that I have over there, it's pretty special. There's a few things, but I'm going to continue to work."
Manager Mike Scioscia said Monday that Ward will get an opportunity to play regularly at third base. Angels third basemen have posted a .623 OPS this season, the second-lowest mark in the Majors behind the Mets (.604).
Rivera inching closer to a return
Rene Rivera was back in the Angels' clubhouse on Tuesday after catching back-to-back nine-inning games with Class A Advanced Inland Empire. Rivera has not played since May 16 due to right knee surgery.
"I'm excited," Rivera said. "I want to play. I want to be back and be part of the team. I'm ready to do my best out there."
Scioscia said Rivera will be evaluated by the club's medical staff before they decide when the 35-year-old veteran will be activated off the disabled list. Rivera will give the Angels the experienced backstop they have been missing since starter Martin Maldonado was traded to the Astros on July 26. Rookies Jose Briceno and Francisco Arcia have been filling in behind the plate over the last three weeks.
"I think they've done a great job, but there are certainly some growing pains you would expect with any young catcher, especially coming in and trying to fill Martin's shoes on the game plan and working with pitchers," Scioscia said. "But they've made a quick study of things, and I think they're doing a very good job of that."
Worth noting
• Shohei Ohtani is scheduled to throw another bullpen session Wednesday as he continues his rehab from the Grade 2 sprain of the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow. Ohtani has already completed two light bullpen sessions and is expected to ramp up the intensity for his third session.
• Scioscia said the Angels do not have any new information on when Michael Trout might rejoin the club. Trout is currently on the East Coast tending to a personal family matter, and the Angels are unsure if he'll be available to come off the disabled list when he's eligible on Thursday. Trout has not played since Aug. 1 due to right wrist inflammation.
• Jose Pujols received a routine day off Tuesday. Kaleb Cowart started at first base.
• The Angels are expecting to rely entirely on their bullpen Thursday and Friday in Texas to fill the voids in their rotation left by the injuries to starters Nick Tropeano and Tyler Skaggs.