Blue Jays and Twins knew a reality the NY Mets continue to try to deny

If not him, who else? It’s an argument that works in some cases. But after 6 appearances, a DFA, a re-signing, and an 8.10 ERA, the New York Mets have to come to the realization that Richard Lovelady isn’t even worth their time.

Lovelady has now given up 6 earned runs in 6.2 innings for the Mets this season. A pair of home runs in there as well, the only thing he has done well is limited his walk to a not-so-incredibly poor 4.1 per 9 innings. Just over a half-dozen innings isn’t enough to suggest he’s about to be a bullpen version of Bret Saberhagen circa 1994.

Lovelady is coming off of a respectable stint with the Tampa Bay Rays in 2024 where he pitched to a 3.77 ERA in 28.2 innings of work. A player more fun than good because of his name and chosen nickname to pair with it, Dicky, the Mets need to realize the same thing the Toronto Blue Jays and Minnesota Twins already knew.

There’s no reason for Richard Lovelady to remain on the Mets roster any longer

The team cut Rico Garcia to make room for Kodai Senga earlier today. Statistically, it makes little sense. Garcia was throwing up zeroes. Although right-handed and not necessarily someone anyone expected to remain with the club, it’s hard to justify a day after Lovelady failed to get the job done yet again.

The absence of any other left-handed options aside from Brandon Waddell can help explain why Lovelady remains with the Mets (for now). The team has turned over just about every rock there is. Genesis Cabrera and Jose Castillo were both DFA’d with inferior results. For whatever reason, Lovelady continues to loiter.

The Blue Jays weren’t so willing to extend him a leash. After 4 earned runs scored against him in 1.2 innings, he was cut. The Mets did the same after a poor debut, but brought him back days later only for the trend to continue.

Between his time with the Blue Jays and Mets, Lovelady pitched 20.2 excellent innings in Triple-A for the Twins. Miraculous results which included a 1.31 ERA, we can understand why a desperate Mets club was willing to give him an opportunity.

Lovelady seems to have entered the camp of veteran relievers who’ll pitch well against minor leagues but not so much in the big leagues. Throwing left-handed is rather meaningless when they’re still slashing .235/.409/.353 against you. And with the three-batter minimum rule, the Mets are set up for Lovelady to routinely face right-handed hitters. They’ve hammered him for a .353/.455/.824 slash line this season in 22 plate appearances.

It’s only a matter of time before the Mets replace Lovelady on the roster with Brooks Raley. Coming out of the All-Star Break, this should be the first move they make.