Mets part ways with 29-year-old reliever just 2 days after signing him

The New York Mets made a couple of moves in their bullpen today. One of those moves was designating a reliever they just signed for assignment.

The Mets signed 29-year-old Richard Lovelady on Monday. They designated him for assignment today, along with José Castillo, in order to get right-handed pitcher Jonathan Pintaro and left-handed pitcher Brandon Waddell on the roster. Pintaro is the Mets’ No. 20 prospect and has been a starter in the minor leagues.

Lovelady started the season with the Toronto Blue Jays. He was optioned by the Blue Jays and elected free agency. He then signed with the Minnesota Twins and was pitching on a minor league contract. He was released on June 18. He pitched in last night’s game for the Mets.

He gave up two earned runs and issued two walks in 1 2/3 innings of work during the Mets’ 7-4 loss against the Atlanta Braves. The Mets’ bullpen has struggled as of late, and the Mets did not want to keep Lovelady around.

Lovelady has been in the big leagues since 2019. He made his debut with the Kansas City Royals. However, he has bounced around the league and has never played in more than 35 games in a season. The journeyman reliever was likely never going to be an elite piece for the Mets, but his tenure ended up being just one game.

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He has a 5.35 career ERA. He will now go on waivers, and if he clears, he could elect free agency again. His best season came in 2021 when he pitched in 20 games for the Royals and had a 3.48 ERA.

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