Mets Sign Dicky Lovelady to Bolster Bullpen Amid Injury Woes

The New York Mets made headlines Monday with a string of roster moves, but it was one name in particular that got fans talking: Dicky Lovelady. The 29-year-old left-handed reliever, who has bounced around several teams over the past few seasons, signed a major league contract and was immediately activated for the Mets’ crucial series against the division rival Atlanta Braves.

The decision comes at a pivotal point in the Mets’ season. Sitting at 46–32 and just one game behind the Philadelphia Phillies in the tight National League East race, New York is aggressively managing its roster amid a mounting list of pitching injuries. The Braves, meanwhile, trail the Phillies by 11 games but remain a formidable opponent.

The Name—and Arm—That Caught Attention

Though fans were surprised by the team’s announcement, it was Lovelady’s name that sparked the most buzz. According to MLB.com, the pitcher, whose given name is Richard, prefers to be called “Dicky”—a moniker that quickly lit up social media.

While the name alone grabbed attention, Lovelady brings more than novelty to the roster. A 10th-round draft pick by the Kansas City Royals out of Kennesaw State University in 2016, he first broke into the majors in 2019. Though his time in MLB has been intermittent, Lovelady has developed a reputation as a serviceable middle reliever capable of handling high-pressure innings.

In 110 career appearances, he’s logged a 5.26 ERA and 93 strikeouts. He has pitched for the Royals, Oakland Athletics, Chicago Cubs, Tampa Bay Rays, and, most recently, made two brief appearances for the Toronto Blue Jays earlier this year. While those numbers may not scream dominance, the Mets are clearly betting on his experience and versatility.

Mets’ Bullpen Needs a Lifeline

The Lovelady signing isn’t just a quirky headline—it’s a direct response to a string of injuries that have thinned the Mets’ pitching depth. Tylor Megill and Kodai Senga, key pieces of New York’s starting rotation, have both been sidelined with injuries this month. Reliever Max Kranick is also on the injured list, further straining the bullpen and pushing the front office to explore every viable option.

Lovelady’s arrival offers a low-risk, potentially high-reward addition to the bullpen. With playoff contention on the line and innings mounting for an overworked pitching staff, the Mets hope the left-hander can eat innings and deliver consistent outs—especially against left-handed hitters, where he’s historically been more effective.

Roster Shuffle Reflects Urgency

In addition to Lovelady’s signing, the Mets made several other moves ahead of Monday’s opener against Atlanta. Outfielder Travis Jankowski was selected to the major league roster, while pitcher Tyler Zuber and infielder Luisangel Acuña were optioned to Triple-A Syracuse. Outfielder Jose Siri, meanwhile, was transferred to the 60-day injured list, freeing up a spot on the 40-man roster.

These decisions reflect a front office that’s acutely aware of the stakes. With the Phillies maintaining a slim lead in the division and the Braves still looming, every game—and every roster spot—matters. The Lovelady signing might not be the blockbuster fans crave, but it could prove to be the kind of under-the-radar move that helps stabilize a shaky bullpen during a critical stretch.

A Well-Traveled Veteran with Something to Prove

Though Lovelady has yet to carve out a long-term home in the majors, his persistence has been remarkable. After debuting with Kansas City, he missed the 2022 season and worked his way back via the Oakland Athletics in 2023. In 2024, he spent time with both the Cubs and Rays before landing a brief opportunity with the Blue Jays.

His signing with the Mets marks a new chapter in a career that’s been defined by resilience and reinvention. If he can provide reliable relief innings, especially in lefty-on-lefty matchups, Lovelady could be a valuable asset down the stretch.

For now, fans are watching closely—not just because of the attention-grabbing name, but because every arm matters in a pennant race.

The Road Ahead

With the All-Star break on the horizon, the Mets are entering a crucial stretch that will likely determine the trajectory of their season. Their offense has remained consistent, and the starting rotation has shown flashes of excellence when healthy. But with injuries continuing to test the depth of the roster, the bullpen remains a key area of concern.

Lovelady’s performance over the next few weeks will help determine whether his signing is a clever mid-season addition or a short-lived experiment. Either way, the Mets are sending a clear message: they’re not standing still.

And if “Dicky” Lovelady can provide more than just a memorable name—if he can help deliver wins in a playoff push—he may become a more significant figure in this season than anyone anticipated.