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Derek Law
Derek Law
from Wikipedia

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

Key Information

Early life

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Derek Robert Law was born on September 14, 1990, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. 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),[1] The Texas Rangers selected Law in the 28th round of the 2009 Major League Baseball draft, but he did not sign.

College career

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Law attended Miami Dade College.[2] 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.[3]

Professional career

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San Francisco Giants (2011–2018)

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Minor leagues

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The San Francisco Giants selected Law in the ninth round, with the 297th overall pick, of the 2011 Major League Baseball draft, and he signed with the Giants. He made his professional debut with the rookie-level 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 55+23 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 66+13 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.[4][5][6]

Law pitching for the San Francisco Giants in 2016

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.[7] Law underwent Tommy John surgery in June 2014 and did not return until June 2015.[7] Law was added to the Giants' 40-man roster in November 2014 to protect him from the Rule 5 draft.[8] In 2015, Law recorded 32 strikeouts in 2523 innings for the Flying Squirrels.

Law started the 2016 season with the Triple-A Sacramento River Cats.[9]

Major leagues

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Law was called up to the San Francisco Giants on April 15, 2016, to replace the injured Sergio Romo.[10] 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.[11]

On May 7, Law earned his first major league victory by holding the Colorado Rockies scoreless in one inning of relief.[12] On June 13, Law pitched 1+13 scoreless innings against the Milwaukee Brewers to record his first major league save.[13] 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 37+13 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)

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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.[14] He was called up from the Triple A Buffalo Bisons on May 3.[15] Law was non-tendered by the Blue Jays on December 2, making him a free agent.[16]

Texas Rangers

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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.[17] He became a free agent on November 2.[18]

Minnesota Twins (2021)

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On November 23, 2020, Law announced on Twitter that he had signed a minor league contract with the Minnesota Twins organization.[19] On May 8, 2021, Law was selected to the active roster.[20] After recording an 8.53 ERA in 5 games, Law was designated for assignment on May 18.[21] He was outrighted to the Triple-A St. Paul Saints on May 20.[22] On July 1, Law was re-selected to the active roster.[23] Law was again designated for assignment by the Twins on September 5, after Luke Farrell was activated off of the injured list.[24] Law made 9 appearances for the Twins in 2021, recording a 4.20 ERA with 14 strikeouts. On October 4, Law elected free agency.[25]

Detroit Tigers (2022)

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On April 9, 2022, Law signed a minor league contract with the Detroit Tigers organization.[26] 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.[27] Law was designated for assignment by the Tigers on August 5.[28] He was released on August 7.

Cincinnati Reds (2022–2023)

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On August 14, 2022, Law signed a minor league contract with the Cincinnati Reds and was assigned to the Triple-A Louisville Bats.[29] 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 17+23 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.[30] 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.[31] 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.[32]

Washington Nationals (2024–2025)

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On February 21, 2024, Law signed a minor league contract with the Washington Nationals.[33] On March 26, Washington selected Law's contract after he made the team's Opening Day roster.[34] He made 75 appearances out of the bullpen for the Nationals on the year, compiling a 7-4 record and 2.60 ERA with 76 strikeouts and one save over 90 innings of work.[35]

Law began the 2025 season on the injured list due to forearm inflammation,[36] and was transferred to the 60-day injured list on July 5, 2025.[37] On July 18, it was announced that Law would require season-ending surgery to repair a partial tear of his flexor tendon.[38]

Arizona Diamondbacks (2026–present)

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On January 28, 2026, Law signed a minor league contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks.[39]

Personal life

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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.[40]

References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Derek Law (born September 14, 1990) is an American currently a in (MLB). He played for six MLB teams over nine seasons from 2016 to 2024, primarily serving as a middle reliever with a career record of 23 wins and 18 losses, a 3.77 (ERA), and 316 strikeouts in 346 across 322 games. Born in , , Law attended Seton LaSalle Catholic High School, where he was selected by the Texas Rangers in the 28th round of the 2009 MLB Draft but opted not to sign. He then enrolled at and was drafted by the San Francisco Giants in the ninth round (297th overall) of the 2011 MLB Draft, signing on July 12, 2011. Law progressed through the Giants' minor league system, reaching Triple-A by 2015, and made his MLB debut with San Francisco on April 15, 2016. During his time with the Giants from 2016 to 2018, Law established himself as a reliable arm, appearing in 109 games with a 3.89 . He was traded to the Toronto Blue Jays in December 2018 and pitched there in 2019 before spending time in the minors and with the organization in 2020–2021, where he returned to the majors briefly in 2021. In 2022, Law split time between the Tigers and after being traded midseason, then remained with the Reds through 2023, posting a combined 3.74 over 71 appearances in those two years. Law signed a one-year contract with the prior to the 2024 season, where he enjoyed a career-best year, going 7–4 with a 2.60 , 17 holds, and 76 strikeouts in 75 games while setting personal highs in (90.0). He recorded 13 saves across his career, including 10 with the Giants, 2 with the Reds, and 1 with the Nationals. However, Law missed the entire 2025 season due to right forearm inflammation, starting on the on March 24 and undergoing season-ending flexor tendon surgery in July that sidelined him through the year; he was granted free agency by the Nationals on November 2, 2025.

Early life and amateur career

Early life

Derek Law was born on September 14, 1990, in , . He grew up in the Beechview neighborhood, immersed in a family deeply connected to baseball. Law's father, Joe Law, was a former in the organization, where he spent nine seasons from 1983 to 1990 and in 1992, reaching Triple-A before a career-ending car accident in 1990. Joe was called up to the major leagues twice in 1988, spending a total of four days on the active roster as a "" without appearing in a game. The family home reflected this baseball heritage; at age five, Joe built a pitcher's mound in their side yard, where he threw batting practice to his sons for years, fostering Derek's early interest in the sport. Around age seven or eight, Derek first heard detailed stories of his father's near-major league experiences, inspiring him to aspire to a professional career. Law also shares a close bond with his younger brother, Dustin, who is autistic; this relationship has profoundly influenced family dynamics, with Derek describing Dustin as his best friend and a key source of motivation. Their family's emphasis on support and resilience, amid Pittsburgh's vibrant local sports scene—including early participation in neighborhood leagues like Brookline Little League's T-Ball in 1998—further shaped Law's foundational years.

High school career

Law attended Seton-La Salle Catholic High School in , , where he played for the school's varsity team as a right-handed . During his high school career, Law earned recognition as a two-time Pittsburgh All-Area honoree in 2008 and 2009 for his performance on the mound. These accolades highlighted his development as a promising prospect from the Pittsburgh area, building on his family's local heritage. Following his senior year, Law was selected by the Texas Rangers in the 28th round (844th overall) of the 2009 June Amateur Draft out of Seton-La Salle Catholic High School. Despite the opportunity, he opted not to sign with the Rangers, choosing instead to honor his commitment to attend college and further his education and baseball development.

College career

Derek Law attended Miami Dade College in Miami, Florida, where he played college baseball for the Sharks. As a sophomore in 2011, Law emerged as a standout pitcher, compiling an 8–5 win–loss record with a 2.35 earned run average (ERA) over 92 innings pitched, during which he recorded 121 strikeouts. This performance marked a significant improvement from his freshman year, where he had a 3–5 record and 3.08 ERA in 64.2 innings with 76 strikeouts, contributing to his overall college totals of 11–10 with a 2.65 ERA and 197 strikeouts in 156.2 innings across two seasons. During his time at the , Law refined his pitching mechanics, developing an exaggerated corkscrewing delivery that improved ball concealment and contributed to increased velocity into the mid-90s mph range. He complemented this with a sharp 12-to-6 and an effective as his primary out pitch, while emphasizing —skills honed under the influence of his father, a former professional —which drew attention from professional scouts seeking prospects with unique, effective arsenals.

Professional career

Draft and minor leagues

Law was selected by the San Francisco Giants in the ninth round (297th overall) of the out of , where he had posted a strong season. He signed with the Giants and was assigned to their Rookie-level affiliate, the Arizona League Giants, for his professional debut that summer. In 15 appearances, Law recorded a 2.50 with 19 strikeouts over 18 , earning four saves and showing early promise as a reliever. In 2012, Law advanced to the Class A , where he appeared in 32 games, logging a 5-2 record with a 2.91 , 67 strikeouts, and two saves across 55.2 innings. His progression continued in 2013, splitting time between Augusta (2.31 in 35 innings) and the High Class A (2.10 in 25.2 innings), combining for a 5-3 mark, 102 strikeouts, and 14 saves in 46 outings while limiting opponents to a .220 . However, Law's rapid ascent was interrupted in June 2014 when he underwent Tommy John surgery to repair a torn in his right , sidelining him for the remainder of that season after just 28 innings at Double-A Richmond, where he had a 2-0 record and 2.57 with 13 saves. Following a 14-month recovery, Law returned to Richmond in 2015, posting a 0-1 record with a 4.56 ERA and 13 saves in 28 appearances over 25.2 innings, demonstrating resilience despite some command issues. He earned a promotion to Triple-A Sacramento River Cats early in 2016, where he pitched three scoreless innings with two strikeouts before being called up to the majors on April 15. Over his five seasons in the Giants' system, Law compiled a 12-6 record with a 2.77 ERA, 251 strikeouts, and 46 saves in 151 relief outings across 196.2 innings, establishing himself as a reliable bullpen arm.

San Francisco Giants (2016–2018)

Law made his major league debut on April 15, 2016, with the San Francisco Giants, entering as a reliever to replace the injured Sergio Romo. In his rookie season, Law quickly became a reliable member of the Giants' bullpen, making 61 appearances and compiling a 4–2 record with a 2.13 ERA over 55 innings pitched. He recorded one save and 14 holds, often serving in middle relief and setup roles, while striking out 50 batters and limiting opponents to a .219 batting average. His strong performance earned him a spot in the postseason, where he appeared in three games of the National League Division Series against the Chicago Cubs, allowing one earned run in 2.1 innings. Law's effectiveness waned in 2017 amid command issues, as he posted a 5.06 across 41 relief outings with a 4–1 record and four saves. Over 37.1 innings, he issued 20 walks and surrendered 42 hits, contributing to a career-high 1.67 , though he still managed 35 strikeouts. The Giants optioned him to Triple-A Sacramento in June after a poor outing against the , but he returned later in the season for additional appearances. The 2018 season proved even more challenging for Law, limited to just seven appearances with a 7.43 before an ankle injury sidelined him. In 13.1 , he went 1–0 but struggled with control, walking nine batters and allowing 16 hits. The injury occurred after an initial optioning to the minors in , leading to his placement on the disabled list and halting his season. Following the year, the Giants designated Law for assignment on February 1, 2019, and traded him to the Toronto Blue Jays on April 2, 2019, along with infielder Alen Hanson and pitcher Juan De Paula, in exchange for outfielder .

Toronto Blue Jays (2019)

On April 2, 2019, Law was traded from the San Francisco Giants to the Toronto Blue Jays as part of a deal that sent outfielder to the Giants in exchange for Law, infielder Alen Hanson, and minor leaguer Juan De Paula. Following the trade, Law was optioned to the Blue Jays' Triple-A affiliate, the , where he began the season before being recalled to the major league roster on May 3. Law served primarily as a reliever for the Blue Jays in 2019, appearing in 58 games and logging 60.2 with a 4.90 , one win, two losses, 67 , and five saves. His role contributed to the team's depth amid injuries and roster turnover, though he occasionally made spot starts, totaling four for the season. Despite showing solid ability, Law struggled with command, issuing 40 walks, which contributed to a 1.66 . After the season, the non-tendered on December 2, 2019, making him a .

Texas Rangers (2020)

After becoming a via non-tender from the , Derek signed a minor league with the Texas Rangers on January 30, 2020, which included an invitation to . participated in the Rangers' , appearing in six Cactus League games where he posted a 2.70 over 6.2 , allowing three earned runs and striking out five batters. This performance positioned him as a potential depth option for the amid the Rangers' rebuilding efforts. The was significantly disrupted by the , leading to the cancellation of the entire schedule and a shortened 60-game regular season that began in late July. Law, who had been assigned to the Rangers' Triple-A affiliate, the , on March 26, 2020, did not appear in any official or major league games that year due to these disruptions. Instead, he was included in the Rangers' initial 60-man player pool announced on June 28, 2020, providing organizational depth during the unconventional season format. On July 19, , as the Rangers finalized their 30-man active roster ahead of , Law was among 19 players reassigned to the team's alternate training site in , where he continued individual workouts and simulated game preparations without competing in live games. This alternate site served as a development hub for non-rostered players, allowing Law to maintain conditioning amid health and safety protocols, though no opportunities for advancement to the major league roster materialized during the season. Law remained with the organization through the end of the year, electing free agency on November 2, .

Minnesota Twins (2021)

After electing free agency from the Texas Rangers following the 2020 season, Derek Law signed a minor league contract with the on November 12, 2020. He began the 2021 season with the Triple-A , where he posted a 2.54 over 28.1 innings before earning two separate call-ups to the major league roster. The Twins first selected Law's contract on , allowing him a brief debut stint in which he made one relief appearance; however, he was on May 18 and outrighted to St. Paul. Law returned to the majors on July 1 but was soon sidelined by a right impingement, missing 46 games before rejoining the active roster in late August. In total, Law made nine relief appearances for the Twins in 2021, recording a 0–0 record with a 4.20 , 14 strikeouts, and eight walks over 15 . His outings provided depth to the during a season of roster flux, though control issues contributed to a 1.60 . The Twins designated Law for assignment on September 5 and outrighted him to the minors on September 6, after which he elected free agency on October 4, concluding a transitional year that marked his return to regular MLB action following the abbreviated 2020 campaign.

Detroit Tigers (2022)

Following his election of free agency after the 2021 season with the , Law signed a minor league contract with the Tigers on April 9, 2022. He began the year with the Tigers' Triple-A affiliate, the , where he posted a 3.38 over 29 appearances, primarily in . On , 2022, the Tigers selected Law's contract from Triple-A, promoting him to the major league roster and adding him to the 40-man roster amid a need for depth. In his short tenure with , Law made two appearances, allowing five earned runs on five hits over two while striking out one batter. His debut came on July 31 against the , where he surrendered three runs in one inning. The Tigers designated Law for assignment on August 5, 2022, after just six days on the major league roster, to clear space for the return of reliever Bryan Garcia from the . Law cleared waivers following the DFA and was outrighted to Triple-A, but the Tigers released him on August 7. Shortly thereafter, on August 14, Law signed a minor league contract with the , ending his brief time in the organization.

Cincinnati Reds (2022–2023)

On August 14, 2022, following his release from the Detroit Tigers organization, Derek Law signed a minor league contract with the Cincinnati Reds and was assigned to the Triple-A Louisville Bats. His contract was selected by the major league club on August 30, 2022, allowing him to make his debut with the Reds. In 15 relief appearances that season, Law posted a 4.08 ERA over 17.2 innings pitched, with 15 strikeouts and a 1.58 WHIP, providing steady middle relief support late in the year. The Reds re-signed Law to a minor league contract with an invitation to on January 23, 2023, recognizing his potential as a reliable arm. He earned a spot on the roster and went on to appear in 54 games during the 2023 season, all in relief, where he recorded a 4-6 mark with a 3.60 across 55 . Law struck out 45 batters while issuing 26 walks, contributing effectively to the with his fastball-slider mix and serving as a key middle reliever amid the team's rebuilding efforts. After the 2023 campaign, the Reds non-tendered Law on November 17, 2023, electing not to offer him a for the 2024 season and thereby making him a . He subsequently signed a minor league deal with the on February 21, 2024.

Washington Nationals (2024–2025)

Following his election of free agency after the 2023 season with the , Derek signed a minor league with an invitation to with the on February 21, 2024. He earned a spot on the roster and became a key member of the , making 75 appearances in 2024 while posting a 7–4 record, a 2.60 , and 76 over 90 . Law's performance included a 1.18 and a career-high strikeout total, establishing him as one of the Nationals' most reliable relievers that year. Law's 2025 season was derailed by injury from the outset, as he began the year on the 15-day due to right forearm inflammation. On July 5, 2025, the Nationals transferred him to the 60-day . He underwent season-ending surgery on July 18 to repair a partially torn flexor in his throwing arm, which sidelined him for the remainder of the campaign. On November 2, 2025, Law elected free agency after the conclusion of his contract with the Nationals. He has targeted a midseason return in 2026 following an expected nine-to-ten-month recovery from the .

Personal life

Family background

Derek Law was born in , , on September 14, 1990, into a family deeply rooted in the city's working-class culture. His father, Joe Law, pursued a professional pitching career in the ' minor league system from 1983 to 1992, compiling a 54-49 record over ten seasons, including time at the Triple-A level. Despite being called up to the major league roster twice in 1988—once in July and again in August—Joe never appeared in a game, earning him the moniker of a "" for his brief, unfulfilled proximity to the big leagues. Joe Law's career was marked by significant setbacks that profoundly influenced Derek's mindset toward the sport. In July 1990, while with the Triple-A Tacoma Giants, Joe and his wife, Tracey, who was seven months pregnant with Derek, were involved in a serious car accident on the Ohio Turnpike while driving back to Pittsburgh from Washington state. The car flipped twice, resulting in severe injuries to Joe that ended his career and a minor injury to Tracey; however, the unborn Derek was unharmed, and the family demonstrated resilience amid the adversity. These experiences instilled in Derek a grounded appreciation for perseverance and the fragility of a baseball career, shaping his approach to emphasize mental toughness and family support over individual glory. Joe later served as Derek's pitching coach at Seton-LaSalle High School in Pittsburgh, imparting practical skills while modeling quiet determination in the face of unfulfilled dreams. The Law family's dynamics were further defined by the needs of Derek's younger brother, Dustin, who is autistic. Born around 1995, Dustin's condition required substantial parental involvement and fostered a close-knit bond, with often drawing motivation from his brother during games. Before each outing, would pray and reflect on Dustin, viewing his support role as a source of strength that reinforced the family's emphasis on collective encouragement over personal achievement in and beyond. This familial structure, centered in , helped navigate the pressures of professional sports by prioritizing emotional steadiness learned from his parents' trials.

Immediate family

Derek Law is married to Chelsea Law, whom he met prior to his major league debut in 2016. The couple wed sometime between late 2016 and early 2017. They have three children: son Nolan, born on December 22, 2018; son Maverick, born around 2022; and daughter Kendall, born around 2023. Throughout his MLB career, Law has emphasized balancing professional demands with family life, often bringing his children to in 2025 to spend quality time together while associated with the , despite missing the season due to injury.

References

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