Derek Law#Personal life

{{Infobox baseball biography

|name = Derek Law

|image = Derek Law in 2019.jpg

|width =

|caption = Law with the Toronto Blue Jays

|team = Washington Nationals

|number = 58

|position = Pitcher

|birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1990|9|14}}

|birth_place = Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.

|bats = Right

|throws = Right

|debutleague = MLB

|debutdate = April 15

|debutyear = 2016

|debutteam = San Francisco Giants

|statyear = August 16, 2024

|statleague = MLB

|stat1label = Win–loss record

|stat1value = 23–16

|stat2label = Earned run average

|stat2value = 3.80

|stat3label = Strikeouts

|stat3value = 301

|teams =

San Francisco Giants ({{mlby|2016}}–{{mlby|2018}})
Toronto Blue Jays ({{mlby|2019}})
Minnesota Twins ({{mlby|2021}})
Detroit Tigers ({{mlby|2022}})
Cincinnati Reds ({{mlby|2022}}–{{mlby|2023}})
Washington Nationals ({{mlby|2024}}–present)

}}

Derek Robert Law (born September 14, 1990) is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Washington Nationals of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has previously played in MLB for the San Francisco Giants, Toronto Blue Jays, Minnesota Twins, Detroit Tigers and Cincinnati Reds.

Early life

Law attended Seton-La Salle Catholic High School in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and played for the school's baseball team. He was a two-time Pittsburgh All-Area baseball selection (2008 and 2009),Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, June 21, 2009, C-8 The Texas Rangers selected Law in the 28th round of the 2009 Major League Baseball draft, but he did not sign.

College career

Law attended Miami Dade College.{{Cite news |last=Cooper |first=J.J. |date=October 15, 2013 |title=Giants Derek Law Finishes Hitters With Funk |work=Baseball America |url=http://www.baseballamerica.com/minors/giants-derek-law-finishes-hitters-with-funk/}} In his sophomore year at Miami Dade, Law posted an 8–5 win–loss record with a 2.35 earned run average (ERA) while striking out 121 batters in 92 innings pitched.{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/4818073/pittsburgh-post-gazette/|last=Koch|first=Joe|title=Seton-LaSalle Grad Turns Pro|work=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette|date=August 4, 2001|page=S-10|via=Newspapers.com|accessdate=July 30, 2022}}

Professional career

=Draft and minor leagues=

The San Francisco Giants selected Law in the ninth round of the 2011 Major League Baseball draft, and he signed with the Giants. He made his professional debut with the Arizona League Giants in 2011. In 15 games he had a 2.50 ERA with 19 strikeouts over 18 innings pitched. In 2012, he pitched for the Augusta GreenJackets, posting a 2.91 ERA with 67 strikeouts over {{frac|55|2|3}} innings.

Law spent the 2013 season pitching for the GreenJackets, AZL Giants and San Jose Giants. He finished the year with 2.31 ERA, 14 saves and 102 strikeouts over {{frac|66|1|3}} innings. At San Jose, Law struck out 45 hitters while only walking one hitter. Prior to the 2014 season, he was invited to the Giants spring training, where he has competed for a spot in the Giants Opening Day bullpen.{{Cite news |last=Schulman |first=Henry |date=February 20, 2014 |title=Young Derek Law could force his way into Giants' bullpen |work=San Francisco Chronicle |url=http://www.sfgate.com/giants/article/Young-Derek-Law-could-force-his-way-into-Giants-5249897.php}}{{Cite news |last=Pavlovic |first=Alex |date=March 27, 2014 |title=Derek Law makes bid to make San Francisco Giants with strong spring |publisher=Bay Area News Group |url=http://www.mercurynews.com/giants/ci_25431875/san-francisco-giants-reliever-derek-law-thrives-spring}}{{Cite news |last=Pavlovic |first=Alex |date=February 28, 2014 |title=San Francisco Giants' bullpen has surprise contender |publisher=Bay Area News Group |url=http://www.mercurynews.com/giants/ci_25250808/san-francisco-giants-bullpen-has-surprise-contender}}

File:DerekLaw vs. Padres 04-25-16.jpg]]

In 2014, Law pitched for the Double-A Richmond Flying Squirrels, recording 13 saves in 14 opportunities and striking out 29 in 28 innings pitched.{{Cite news |last=O'Connor |first=John |date=July 7, 2015 |title=Squirrels Insider: Derek Law rebounds from Tommy John Surgery |work=Richmond Times-Dispatch |url=http://www.richmond.com/sports/flying-squirrels/article_e3dc7df3-c448-5668-b246-33cf7b67c389.html}} Law underwent Tommy John surgery in June 2014 and did not return until June 2015. Law was added to the Giants' 40-man roster in November 2014 to protect him from the Rule 5 draft.{{Cite news |last=Pavlovic |first=Alex |date=November 20, 2014 |title=OFFSEASON NOTES: Giants add four right-handers to 40-man roster, Gutierrez DFA'd |publisher=Bay Area News Group |url=http://blogs.mercurynews.com/giants/2014/11/20/offseason-notes-giants-add-four-right-handers-40-man-roster-gutierrez-dfad/}} In 2015, Law recorded 32 strikeouts in 25{{frac|2|3}} innings for the Flying Squirrels.

Law started the 2016 season with the Triple-A Sacramento River Cats.{{Cite press release |title=River Cats announce 2016 Opening Day roster |date=April 6, 2016 |publisher=Sacramento River Cats |url=https://www.milb.com/news/gcs-170780782}}

=San Francisco Giants (2016–2018)=

Law was called up to the San Francisco Giants on April 15, 2016, to replace the injured Sergio Romo.{{Cite web |last=Schulman |first=Henry |date=April 15, 2016 |title=Giants infielder Adrianza joins Romo on disabled list |url=http://www.sfgate.com/giants/article/Giants-infielder-Adrianza-joins-Romo-on-disabled-7252068.php |publisher=San Francisco Chronicle |accessdate=April 15, 2016}} Law made his major league debut in a game later that day against the Los Angeles Dodgers. He entered the game in the bottom of the seventh inning and allowed one hit while striking out three batters.{{Cite news |last=Haft |first=Chris |date=April 15, 2016 |title=Law shines in MLB debut vs. Dodgers |work=MLB.com |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/giants-recall-pitcher-derek-law-from-triple-a-c172582718}}

On May 7, Law earned his first major league victory by holding the Colorado Rockies scoreless in one inning of relief.{{Cite news |last=Schulman |first=Henry |date=May 7, 2016 |title=Giants win on 13th on Duffy walk-off |work=San Francisco Chronicle |url=http://www.sfgate.com/giants/article/Giants-win-on-13th-on-Duffy-walkoff-7420881.php}} On June 13, Law pitched {{frac|1|1|3}} scoreless innings against the Milwaukee Brewers to record his first major league save.{{Cite web|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/milwaukee-brewers-san-francisco-giants-360613126/|title=Milwaukee 5 - 11 San Francisco: Final | 2016-06-14 | Major League Baseball | Yahoo! Sports}} In 61 games, he posted an ERA of 2.13 in 55 innings.

The following season, he struggled with inconsistency, posting an ERA of 5.06 in {{frac|37|1|3}} innings. In 2018, he only appeared in 7 games for the Giants, spending most of his time with the Triple–A Sacramento River Cats.

=Toronto Blue Jays (2019)=

Law was designated for assignment on February 1, 2019, following the waiver claim of John Andreoli and outrighted on February 10. On April 2, 2019, the Giants traded Law, Alen Hanson, and Juan De Paula to the Toronto Blue Jays for Kevin Pillar.{{Cite web |date=April 2, 2019 |title=Giants land Pillar from Blue Jays for 3 players |url=https://www.mlb.com/giants/news/giants-trade-for-kevin-pillar-from-blue-jays |website=MLB.com |accessdate=April 2, 2019}} He was called up from the Triple A Buffalo Bisons on May 3.{{Cite web |date=May 3, 2019 |title=Blue Jays select contract of RHP Derek Law, DFA Alen Hanson |url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/baseball/mlb/blue-jays-select-contract-rhp-derek-law-dfa-alen-hanson/ |accessdate=May 3, 2019}} Law was non-tendered by the Blue Jays on December 2, making him a free agent.{{Cite web |date=December 2, 2019 |title=Blue Jays tender Matt Shoemaker, non-tender three players |url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/baseball/mlb/blue-jays-tender-matt-shoemaker-non-tender-derek-law/ |website=Sportsnet |accessdate=December 2, 2019}}

=Texas Rangers=

On January 30, 2020, Law signed a minor league contract with the Texas Rangers organization. Law did not play in a game in 2020 due to the cancellation of the minor league season because of the COVID-19 pandemic.{{Cite web|title=2020 Minor League Baseball season cancelled|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/2020-minor-league-baseball-season-canceled|access-date=March 18, 2023|website=mlb.com|language=en}} He became a free agent on November 2.{{Cite web|title=Full List of 2020-2021 MiLB Free Agents|url=https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/full-list-of-2020-2021-milb-free-agents/|access-date=September 27, 2024|website=baseballamerica.com|date=November 2, 2020 |language=en}}

=Minnesota Twins (2021)=

On November 23, 2020, Law announced on Twitter that he had signed a minor league contract with the Minnesota Twins organization.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2020/12/twins-sign-rob-refsnyder-glenn-sparkman-luke-farrell.html|title=Twins Sign Eight Players to Minor League Deals|date=December 17, 2020 }} On May 8, 2021, Law was selected to the active roster.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2021/05/latest-roster-moves-from-twins-orioles.html|title = Latest Roster Moves from Twins, Orioles| date=May 8, 2021 }} After recording an 8.53 ERA in 5 games, Law was designated for assignment on May 18.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2021/05/twins-designate-derek-law-for-assignment.html|title=Twins Designate Derek Law for Assignment|date=May 18, 2021 }} He was outrighted to the Triple-A St. Paul Saints on May 20.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2021/05/minor-mlb-transactions-52121.html|title=Minor MLB Transactions: 5/21/21|date=May 21, 2021 }} On July 1, Law was re-selected to the active roster.{{Cite web |title=Twins Designate Matt Shoemaker For Assignment |url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2021/07/twins-dfa-matt-shoemaker.html |website=MLB Trade Rumors|date=July 2021 }} Law was again designated for assignment by the Twins on September 5, after Luke Farrell was activated off of the injured list.{{Cite web|url=https://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/twins_reinstate_luke_farrell_designate_fellow_righty_derek_law_for_assignment/s1_13237_35789798|title=Twins reinstate Luke Farrell, designate fellow righty Derek Law for assignment|date=September 5, 2021}} Law made 9 appearances for the Twins in 2021, recording a 4.20 ERA with 14 strikeouts. On October 4, Law elected free agency.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2021/10/players-recently-electing-free-agency.html|title=Players Recently Electing Free Agency|website=MLB Trade Rumors|author=Anthony Franco|date=October 7, 2021|access-date=October 7, 2021}}

=Detroit Tigers (2022)=

On April 9, 2022, Law signed a minor league contract with the Detroit Tigers organization.{{Cite web |date=April 14, 2022 |title=Tigers sign pitcher who acted as human shield in the Las Vegas shooting to a minor league deal |url=https://www.mlive.com/tigers/2022/04/tigers-sign-pitcher-who-acted-as-human-shield-in-the-las-vegas-shooting-to-a-minor-league-deal.html |access-date=April 14, 2022 |website=mlive |language=en}} Law was assigned to the rookie–level Florida Complex League Tigers. On April 14, Law was assigned to the Triple–A Toledo Mud Hens. The Tigers promoted Law to the major leagues on July 30.{{cite web | url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2022/07/tigers-select-derek-law.html | title=Tigers Select Derek Law | date=July 30, 2022 }} Law was designated for assignment by the Tigers on August 5.{{Cite web |title=Tigers Designate Derek Law For Assignment |url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2022/08/tigers-designate-derek-law-for-assignment.html |access-date=August 5, 2022 |website=MLB Trade Rumors |language=en-US}} He was released on August 7.

=Cincinnati Reds (2022–2023)=

On August 14, 2022, Law signed a minor league contract with the Cincinnati Reds and was assigned to the Triple-A Louisville Bats.{{Cite web |title=Reds Sign Derek Law To Minor League Deal |url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2022/08/reds-sign-derek-law-to-minor-league-deal.html |access-date=August 24, 2022 |website=MLB Trade Rumors |date=August 14, 2022 |language=en-US}} He had his contract selected on August 30. He made 15 appearances for Cincinnati down the stretch, recording a 2–2 record and 4.08 ERA with 15 strikeouts in {{fraction|17|2|3}} innings pitched. On November 15, Law was designated for assignment. On November 18, he was non-tendered and became a free agent.

On January 23, 2023, Law re-signed with the Reds organization on a minor league contract.{{Cite web|title=Reds' Derek Law: Back with Cincinnati|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/reds-derek-law-back-with-cincinnati/amp/|access-date=January 23, 2023|website=cbssports.com|language=en}} On March 27, the Reds announced that Law had made the Opening Day roster, and would have his contract selected to the 40-man roster.{{Cite web|title=Reds' Derek Law: Pitches way on to Opening Day squad|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/reds-derek-law-pitches-way-on-to-opening-day-squad/amp/|access-date=March 27, 2023|website=cbssports.com|language=en}} In 54 appearances for Cincinnati, he logged a 4–6 record and 3.60 ERA with 45 strikeouts across 55 innings pitched. Following the season on November 17, Law was non-tendered and became a free agent.{{Cite web|title=Derek Law: Cut loose by Reds|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/derek-law-cut-loose-by-reds/|access-date=March 16, 2024|website=cbssports.com|date=November 18, 2023 |language=en}}

=Washington Nationals=

On February 21, 2024, Law signed a minor league contract with the Washington Nationals.{{Cite web |last=McDonald |first=Darragh |date=2024-02-21 |title=Nationals, Derek Law Agree To Minor League Deal |url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/02/nationals-derek-law-agree-to-minor-league-deal.html |access-date=2024-06-28 |website=MLB Trade Rumors |language=en-US}} On March 26, Washington selected Law's contract after he made the team's Opening Day roster.{{Cite web|title=Nationals' Derek Law: Added to roster|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/nationals-derek-law-added-to-roster/amp/|date=March 27, 2024|website=cbssports.com|language=en}}

Personal life

His father, Joe Law, played minor league baseball in the Oakland Athletics organization. He was called up to the majors for four days but never appeared in a game, making him a phantom ballplayer.{{Cite news |last=White |first=Mike |date=April 29, 2009 |title=Speed is the ticket for Seton-LaSalle's Law |work=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette |url=http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/high-school-baseball/2009/04/29/Speed-is-the-ticket-for-Seton-LaSalle-s-Law/stories/200904290213}}