The New York Mets added bullpen depth on Monday, signing veteran left-hander Richard Lovelady, according to MLB insider Robert Murray of FanSided.
The 29-year-old was recently released by the Minnesota Twins after a brief stint with the Toronto Blue Jays where he appeared in only two games before being designated for assignment.
Lovelady has pitched in parts of six major league seasons with five teams, including the Blue Jays, Athletics, Kansas City Royals, Chicago Cubs, and Tampa Bay Rays.
He carries a career ERA of 5.26 over 110 appearances but has been particularly effective against left-handed hitters, holding them to a .232 average.
A 10th-round pick by the Royals in the 2016 MLB Draft, Lovelady joins a Mets bullpen that needs left-handed help. Currently, Jose Castillo is the only healthy lefty available.
The Mets have been hit hard by injuries, with A.J. Minter out for the season due to lat surgery, Danny Young recovering from Tommy John surgery, and Brooks Raley still rehabbing from the same procedure. Raley is on a rehab assignment and may return within the next month, but for now, Lovelady provides a much-needed arm.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to kyle@fingerlakes1.com.
