Mets Assign Richard Lovelady to New Role
The New York Mets have made a notable roster change by designating left-handed pitcher Richard Lovelady. This move comes as the team promotes Craig Kimbrel to the active roster.
Mets’ Roster Update: Richard Lovelady Designation
This marks the ninth time in Lovelady’s career that he has been designated for assignment (DFA). Surprisingly, five of those transactions occurred while he was with the Mets, who initially signed him to a major league deal last June.
Minor League Options and Contract Details
Lovelady is currently out of minor league options. Consequently, the Mets had to expose him to waivers before any further action. His contract includes a $1 million salary when on the active roster and $350,000 in the minors.
- Minor league contract selected for Kimbrel.
- Ninth DFA designation for Lovelady.
- Five of these designations came from the Mets.
- Contract: $1MM active roster, $350K in minors.
Waiver Process and Future Prospects
If Lovelady clears waivers and opts for free agency, he would forfeit his guaranteed salary. This possibility increases the chances of him remaining within the Mets organization.
Previous transactions involving Lovelady saw him briefly claimed by the Washington Nationals. The Nationals designated him for assignment, prompting the Mets to reclaim him in March.
Performance Highlights
Lovelady has appeared in six games for the Mets this season, accumulating 7.1 innings pitched. His statistics include:
- 3.68 ERA
- 54.5% ground ball rate
- 18.8% strikeout rate
- 12.5% walk rate
Against right-handed batters, Lovelady has a .958 on-base plus slugging (OPS), while limiting left-handed hitters to a .545 OPS. These career splits raise questions about his effectiveness, especially considering his debut in the MLB came just before the implementation of the three-batter rule.
Conclusion
Despite the challenges, the Mets appreciate Lovelady’s role as a depth option in their bullpen. However, his recurring designation reflects the team’s perception of him as an expendable asset.
