Derek Law, who was one of the Nats’ most reliable bailers last season, will open the year with IL. He hasn’t seen much action this spring I said After he threw, his arm felt sore. It’s not a major injury, it’s a plan to revitalize him after 15 days have passed.
This injury opens an extra bullpen spot, at least in the short term. Currently, Orlando Ribalta, Eduardo Salazar, Jackson Rutledge and Brad Road appear to be fighting for three bullpen spots.
The first three players are on the 40-man roster, so they should have the advantage. Things looked tough for Jackson Rutledge after the first appearance of the walk, but he straightens the ship and has a 3.24 ERA this spring.
The Lord was pretty much solid this spring, but he will need to add to the 40-man roster for the pitch. Colin Poche has been officially added to the 40 guys, so players will need to DFA to open the spot. Therefore, it is easiest to send the Lord to the AAA, as the other three have become 40 men.
Ribalta, Rutledge and Salazar all have options so you can send it to AAA. When the law returns, Rutledge will be the most likely candidate to be sent. The legal injury is not serious, but it adds a layer to the plot and mystery to the barely proven bullpen.
