Brad Lord Making Another Start On Monday Against Pirates
Washington Nationals rookie right-hander Brad Lord will get another start on Monday at PNC Park and will be opposed by right-hander Paul Skenes. As a result, right-hander Jake Irvin is being bumped to Tuesday, while Mitchell Parker and Trevor Williams will go on Wednesday and Thursday, respectively. Lord originally opened the year in the bullpen but was moved to a rotation spot when Michael Soroka (biceps) landed on the injured list. The 25-year-old made three relief appearances to begin the year before making his first start against the Los Angeles Dodgers last Tuesday. Although he only threw 55 pitches and went three innings, he didn't allow a run while giving up two hits, walking two and striking out four. Lord could be allowed to go a little deeper in his second start on Monday, but he'll be a low-upside streamer for fantasy managers. He's currently lined up to start again on Saturday at Coors Field
The Washington Nationals are waiting to decide on who their starter will be on Sunday against the Arizona Diamondbacks, but MASN's Mark Zuckerman reports that if rookie right-hander Brad Lord isn't needed out of the bullpen before then, he could make his first career start. Lord, who is considered the team's No. 22 prospect per MLB Pipeline, made the Opening Day roster for the first time and has allowed two runs (one earned) on three hits while walking two and striking out none in two innings in his first three major-league appearances. The reason the Nats need a starter for Sunday's series finale against Arizona is because right-hander Michael Soroka (biceps) landed on the injured list on Friday. If Lord makes the start this weekend, fantasy managers will want to stay away since he won't be efficiently stretched out to go very deep in that contest.
Washington Nationals right-handed pitching prospect Brad Lord has made the Opening Day roster and will be deployed out of the bullpen. Lord was competing for a spot during spring training and was able to make the final cut. During camp, Lord posted a 6.08 ERA with a 1.43 WHIP across 13 1/3 innings. He tallied eight punchouts and allowed just three walks. He has yet to appear in an MLB contest and could make his debut on Opening Day if called on. Last season, the South Florida product spent time with High-A, Double-A, and Triple-A. He spent most of his time at Double-A, where he posted a strong 1.40 ERA with a 1.03 WHIP. Across these 70 2/3 innings, Lord tallied 75 punchouts and served up 23 free passes. Fantasy managers should expect him to begin the season in a low-leverage role but could eventually grow into a high-leverage position.
