Mets' Use of Struggling Reliever Richard Lovelady Raises Eyebrows

Southpaw's poor performance and limited role so far this season prompts questions about roster decisions.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 6:00pm

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A cubist, geometric illustration depicting a baseball pitcher's motion broken down into overlapping planes of navy, slate gray, and olive green, conveying the complexities and questions surrounding the Mets' roster decisions.The Mets' puzzling decision to keep struggling reliever Richard Lovelady on the roster raises concerns about the team's roster management strategies.NYC Today

The New York Mets have brought back reliever Richard Lovelady this season despite his struggles in 2022, when he posted a 6.30 ERA over 10 innings with the club. Lovelady has continued to underperform in the early going, yet the Mets have kept him on the roster, using him primarily in low-leverage situations rather than deploying him against left-handed hitters as initially suggested.

Why it matters

The Mets' decision to retain Lovelady has puzzled fans, as the team has other options in the minors who have shown more promise in multi-inning relief roles. With Lovelady's limited usage and ineffectiveness, the move raises questions about the team's roster management and player evaluation processes.

The details

Lovelady, a 30-year-old left-hander, first joined the Mets last year on a minor league deal but failed to impress, posting a 6.30 ERA. Despite this, the Mets claimed him off waivers from the Nationals this spring, and he earned a spot on the Opening Day roster. However, Lovelady has continued to struggle, allowing at least one run in each of his three appearances so far this season, with a 4.50 ERA and 6.65 FIP in 4 innings of work.

  • Lovelady first signed with the Mets in 2022 on a minor league deal.
  • He was designated for assignment by the Mets in January 2023.
  • The Mets claimed Lovelady off waivers from the Nationals in spring training 2023.
  • Lovelady has made 3 appearances for the Mets so far in the 2023 season.

The players

Richard Lovelady

A 30-year-old left-handed relief pitcher who has struggled in his time with the Mets, posting a 6.30 ERA in 2022 and a 4.50 ERA so far in 2023.

David Stearns

The president of baseball operations for the New York Mets, who made the decision to claim Lovelady off waivers this spring.

Carlos Mendoza

The manager of the New York Mets, who has used Lovelady primarily in low-leverage situations rather than against left-handed hitters as initially suggested.

Brooks Raley

The Mets' primary left-handed relief pitcher, who Lovelady was expected to complement in the bullpen.

Sean Manaea

A left-handed pitcher already on the Mets' roster who has been used in a long relief role.

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What’s next

The Mets will have to evaluate whether to keep Lovelady on the roster or replace him with a more effective long relief option from the minors.

The takeaway

The Mets' decision to retain the struggling Lovelady on their roster despite his poor performance raises questions about the team's roster management and player evaluation processes, especially with other potentially better options available in the organization.