Derek Law Intent On Breaking Nats' Workload Record
In 2025, Washington Nationals relief pitcher Derek Law has his sights set on breaking the team's innings pitched record for a reliever. As such, the 34-year-old is just starting to ramp up, throwing to live batters for the first time this spring despite being fully healthy. The intent is to not put any unnecessary stress on his arm before the season begins, especially after throwing 90 innings in 2024, the second-most for a relief pitcher in all of baseball last season. To beat the record, the righty will have to surpass 93 innings pitched to pass the current record-holder, Saul Rivera. The veteran posted a good 2.60 ERA and a 1.18 WHIP on the way to setting a career high in holds with 17, but isn't known for having strikeout stuff like many relievers of today, logging a 7.6 K/9 and a 14.2 percent K-BB%. With that being the case, Law is really only worthy of a roster spot in leagues that reward holds or NL-only formats.
Derek Law Agrees With Nationals On Minor-League Deal
Free-agent reliever Derek Law agreed with the Washington Nationals on Wednesday on a minor-league deal that includes an invitation to major-league spring training, according to sources. The deal would pay Law $1.5 million with $500,000 in incentives for games pitched if he's in the majors. The contract also includes three opt-out clauses. The 33-year-old veteran right-hander has seven years of big-league experience and had a 3.60 ERA (4.62 FIP) and 1.38 WHIP with two saves, 26 walks and 45 strikeouts in 55 innings over 54 appearances (three starts) for the Cincinnati Reds last year. If Law makes the Nationals roster out of spring training, he'd likely serve in a middle-relief bullpen role. Fantasy managers can ignore him.
Cincinnati Reds right-hander Derek Law landed on the 15-day injured list on Friday, retroactive to May 17. The 32-year-old has appeared in 20 games this season, amassing a 3-4 record (two starts) with a 2.57 ERA, two holds, and one save. Unfortunately, the sprained elbow will keep him off the field, although his absence won't negatively impact many fantasy managers.
Nick Lodolo Scratched, Derek Law To Start Saturday
Cincinnati Reds left-hander Nick Lodolo (calf) has been scratched from his scheduled start on Saturday against the Miami Marlins and has returned to Cincinnati for examination of his sore left calf. In his place, right-hander Derek Law will get the start as the opener. The 25-year-old Lodolo has dealt with a calf issue since spring training, so the Reds want to get this figured out before they go any further. There's a good chance he'll need to go on the injured list, so fantasy managers should be prepared. If Lodolo has to miss extended time, Levi Stoudt figures to be a favorite to take his place in the Reds' rotation in the short term. Lodolo has struggled so far in his second MLB season, posting a 6.29 ERA (5.83 FIP), 1.75 WHIP, 10 walks and 47 strikeouts in 34 1/3 innings over his seven starts.
Cincinnati Reds relief pitcher Derek Law earned his first save of the season in Monday's 7-6 win over the Cubs. The 32-year-old came in to pitch the ninth inning and protect a one-run lead. He got the first two outs on a pop-out and a groundout, allowed back-to-back singles, and then got the final out on a lineout. The reds' go-to closer to start the season is Alexis Diaz, but he had pitched in each of the last two games. It is interesting that Law saw the first save opportunity beyond Diaz and is worth noting for fantasy managers in deep roto leagues. That being said, Law owns a career 4.16 ERA, 1.44 WHIP, and 21.8% strikeout rate and last earned a save in 2019, so he is not a great fantasy option even with some potential saves.
The Cincinnati Reds re-signed right-hander Derek Law to a minor-league deal on Monday that includes an invitation to major-league spring training. Law spent the 2022 season with both the Reds and Detroit Tigers, combining for a 4.12 ERA (4.89 FIP), 1.58 WHIP, 17 strikeouts and eight walks in only 19 2/3 relief innings over 17 appearances. The 32-year-old will have an opportunity to make the team's Opening Day roster, but fantasy managers can ignore him if he does. Law has six years of major-league experience and a career 4.21 ERA (4.13 FIP), 1.45 WHIP and 21.9 percent strikeout rate in 193 appearances (four starts) covering 201 innings pitched.
Minnesota Twins relief pitcher Derek Law (shoulder) was placed on the 10-day injured list on Saturday. The 30-year-old recently had his contract purchased from Triple-A St. Paul. The designation is retroactive to July 14, so he could be back relatively quickly. However, it's probable many fantasy managers aren't waiting eagerly for his return, primarily after posting a 4.20 ERA throughout nine games this year. With the team also down Randy Dobnak (finger) and Danny Coulombe (personal), Beau Burrows and Juan Minaya will spend some time with the big club.
Toronto Blue Jays reliever Derek Law was called upon in the eighth inning on Saturday night to finish off Toronto's 7-5 victory over the Mariners. Law walked two and struck out two in 1 2/3 innings on his way to picking up his fourth save of the year. Regardless of the strong performance, Law's value in most fantasy leagues will be limited going forward, as closer Ken Giles is set to return from paternity leave on Sunday,
Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Derek Law will draw the start against the Los Angeles Angels on Monday. Law made a start last week and pitched one scoreless inning versus the Orioles. He'll attempt to do it again on Monday with Edwin Jackson following him out of the bullpen. Neither Law or Jackson are valuable fantasy assets.
Toronto Blue Jays relief pitcher Derek Law will draw the start against the Baltimore Orioles on Wednesday. Law will act as the opener and pitch an inning or two in this one. Edwin Jackson will follow him and pitch a majority of the innings. Both Law and Jackson have been ugly this season, so fantasy owners can avoid both of them here.
