New York Mets claim former Toronto Blue Jays left-hander off waivers
Photo credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
The New York Mets have claimed left-handed pitcher Richard Lovelady off waivers from the Washington Nationals, bringing him back to the organization once again.
Lovelady's return comes shortly after the Mets designated him for assignment in late January, which led to the Nationals claiming him off waivers shortly thereafter.
We have made the following roster moves.
Now, just weeks later, New York has brought the southpaw back into the fold just in time to face the Toronto this afternoon.
Meanwhile, Blue Jays pitching will face Bo Bichette for the first time, since he left the team for for queens back in January.
The 30-year old originally made his Major League debut with the Kansas City Royals in 2019.
He spent parts of three seasons with Kansas City before undergoing Tommy John surgery, which sidelined him for the entire 2022 season.
Since returning from the procedure, Lovelady has frequently changed organizations, moving between teams through trades, waiver claims, and various signings.
Over the course of the 2023 season and beyond, he has posted a 5.19 ERA across 69 1/3 innings in the majors while pitching for five different clubs.
During that span, he has recorded a 20.7% strikeout rate and a 9.0% walk rate.
His recent travels have included multiple stints with the Mets.
His recent travels have included multiple stints with the Mets.
Lovelady still under split contract since his last go around with the New York
The team first brought him in last June after Lovelady opted out of a minor league deal with the Minnesota Twins.
During that brief run with New York, Lovelady logged 10 innings and finished with a 6.30 ERA.
Throughout the year he was designated for assignment and outrighted several times by different organizations.
After rejecting his first outright assignment and electing free agency, he eventually re-signed with the Mets.
Following the 2024 season, Lovelady ran out of minor league options, which has contributed to his frequent movement between teams and limited roster stability.
While the Mets have shown consistent interest in bringing him back, Lovelady is expected to serve primarily as left-handed bullpen depth.
Given his lack of options, he could again be a candidate for a DFA if the team needs to open a roster spot.
Lovelady is under contract for the 2026 season on a split deal he signed with the Mets last October.
The agreement guarantees him $350,000 if he remains in the minors and $1 million if he is on the Major League roster.
Also read on Blue Jays Central :
Toronto Blue Jays cut five players assign them to minor league camp
Toronto Blue Jays cut five players assign them to minor league camp
| POLL | ||
MARS 15|57 ANSWERS New York Mets claim former Toronto Blue Jays left-hander off waivers Will Richard Lovelady break camp with the Mets? | ||
| Yes | 4 | 7 % |
| No | 37 | 64.9 % |
| Too early to tell | 16 | 28.1 % |
| List of polls | ||