The Mets designated lefty reliever Richard Lovelady for assignment. That’s the corresponding 40-man roster move for utility player Vidal Bruján, whom they acquired from Minnesota tonight.
Lovelady signed a split deal at the beginning of the offseason. He secured a spot on the 40-man at the time of signing but knew there was a decent chance he’d be dropped from the roster over the winter. The contract pays Lovelady a $1MM salary for time in the majors and a $350K rate in the minor leagues. He’s out of options, so the MiLB salary only becomes relevant if the team gets him through waivers at some point. Lovelady would have the right to elect free agency if he’s outrighted but would lose his salary, so the deal is structured to incentivize him to report to Triple-A.
The 30-year-old southpaw made eight appearances for the Mets and pitched twice for the Blue Jays last season. He combined for 11 2/3 innings and gave up 11 earned runs. Lovelady struck out 12 but issued 10 free passes — six via walk and four hit batters. That elevated his career earned run average to 5.35 across 111 innings.
Lovelady had a much better season in the minors. He tallied 38 innings of 1.66 ERA ball while striking out 26.3% of batters faced in Triple-A. The Mets like him as a depth option, so they’ll hope he clears waivers and sticks around in a non-roster capacity. A.J. Minter and Brooks Raley are slated to be the pair of southpaws in Carlos Mendoza’s season-opening bullpen.
BREAKING: Dodgers acquire Dicky Lovelady
He’s no dick mountain.
Well they once were known as the bridegrooms…a Dick Lovelady would fit perfectly.
Ok, it’s time for the 12 year olds and inebriated 35 year olds to let loose with their dumb unfunny jokes about Lovelady’s name. Now’s your chance to display your wit! Yuk-yuk.
I’m 39 and I’m not even that drunk
You’re gonna need luck to be a lovelady tonight.
And apparently it’s already time for jaded, bitter old men who can’t tolerate a bit of fun and think a pun or two is interrupting the discussion of great world and sociological importance that must remain untempered with.
Try replacing the bulb and lighten up.
Growing up with the name Dick Lovelady, did he get beat up every week or laid every week?
Both
Name is far better backwards.
@Joel no need to be such a lovelady, just embrace the Richard.
How’s his extension?
.
He gets down the mound quickly and has a lot of vertical drop.
It’s too easy it’s just…too easy.
Bye bye Richard.
And I thought New York was loving the Dick Ladies?
have a sense the merry go round of DFA relievers will be in full effect again in 2026
I don’t get it.
Mets fans should hope Raley and Minter stay healthy all year, so they are NEVER tempted to add this guy Lovelady to their mlb active roster all year if he’s at Syracuse.
Hoping against bope some idiot team claims this bum.
Bro changed his name for the Mets and this is what he gets?!
Luck not be a Lovelady tonight