Quinton Fesq
The New York Mets claimed left-handed reliever Richard Lovelady off waivers from Washington on Saturday, with right-hander Justin Hagenman heading to the 60-day injured list with a rib fracture in the corresponding move.
Hagenman’s injury created the opening, and Lovelady was the answer. The 30-year-old left-hander is no stranger to Queens, having made 10 appearances across multiple stints with the Mets in 2025 before the club re-signed him to a one-year deal last October. Washington claimed him off waivers in January, designated him for assignment on March 10, and now he’s back where he ended last season.
The 2025 numbers with New York were rough, an 8.49 ERA across 11.2 innings, though a 30.0% HR/FB rate did most of the damage. His career ground ball rate sits right around 50% and his slider has been his most consistent weapon, accounting for over half his pitch mix. In 4 spring training innings with Washington he struck out 7 and didn’t allow a home run, which is exactly the narrative the Mets are betting on.
Lovelady gives the bullpen a left-handed option at a moment when the roster is already dealing with injury attrition. He’s a depth piece, not a difference-maker, but depth is what the situation calls for right now.
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