Richard

Lovelady

Hudson was acquired from the White Sox for cash back in February, but he did not make the opening day bullpen. Instead, Richard Lovelady will take his spot as a left-hander reliever.

Lovelady returns to New York after spending a couple months with the division-rival Nationals. The 30-year-old southpaw compiled an inflated 8.49 ERA (5.80 xERA) over 11 2/3 innings across 10 appearances between the Mets and Blue Jays last year.

Lovelady was claimed off waivers from the Mets back in January but was let go to make room on the 40-man roster for Zack Littell. The 30-year-old left-hander posted an 8.49 ERA, 1.54 WHIP and a 12/6 K/BB ratio over 11 2/3 innings in 10 appearances between the Blue Jays and Mets in 2025.

Lovelady was inked to a one-year contract as a free agent in October, but the Mets attempted to sneak him through waivers this week as they needed to clear room on their 40-man roster. The 30-year-old left-hander posted an 8.49 ERA, 1.54 WHIP and a 12/6 K/BB ratio over 11 2/3 innings in 10 appearances between the Blue Jays and Mets in 2025.

The Mets will try to sneak Lovelady through waivers three months after signing him to a one-year deal as a free agent. Lovelady gave up seven earned runs in 10 innings for the Mets last season. He has a career 5.35 ERA in 111 innings since debuting in 2019.

Lovelady returns to the Mets after posting a lackluster 8.49 ERA over 11 2/3 innings across 10 appearances last season between New York and Toronto. The 30-year-old lefty has logged 118 major-league appearances since debuting in 2019 and will compete for a bullpen spot next spring.

McKenzie headlines a group of 19 players who elected minor league free agency earlier this week, including catcher Matt Thaiss; infielders Scott Kingery, Keston Hiura, Sergio Alcántara, Terrin Vavra and Vimael Machín; outfielders Jose Siri, Connor Joe and Jordyn Adams; and relievers Noah Davis, Scott Blewett, Brooks Kriske, Kevin Herget, Cionel Pérez, Darren McCaughan, Richard Lovelady, José Ruiz and Jordan Weems.

Lovelady went unclaimed on waivers after being designated for assignment earlier this week and figures to elect free agency instead of sticking around with the Mets as emergency relief depth.

Dicky allowed one earned run in 3 1/3 innings during his latest stint with the Mets. He’ll likely go unclaimed on waivers.

Lovelady rejoins New York’s relief corps for Saturday’s game against the Nationals. The 30-year-old southpaw has allowed six runs over 6 2/3 innings over six appearances this season at the highest level.