The New York Mets have made a bullpen move in hopes of snapping out of a rough stretch, calling up left-handed reliever Dicky Lovelady. The Mets have dropped eight of their last nine games, and Lovelady could provide a much-needed spark out of the pen.
Although his full name is Richard, the 29-year-old pitcher insists on being called “Dicky,” a request he’s made clear to teammates, fans, and the media alike, according to Mets reporter Anthony DiComo.
The announcement of his call-up sparked some playful reactions online. Fans were quick to question whether the name was real, with others embracing it immediately, comparing him to last season’s surprise mascot, Grimace. Lovelady could make his Mets debut tonight at Citi Field, which also happens to be Women’s Night—a fitting stage for an unforgettable introduction.
Lovelady began the 2024 season with the Toronto Blue Jays, but things didn’t go as planned. He was roughed up for four earned runs in just 1.2 innings, resulting in a sky-high 21.60 ERA before being DFA’d.
However, he bounced back in a big way in Triple-A with the St. Paul Saints, the Minnesota Twins’ top affiliate. In 19 relief appearances, Lovelady posted a dominant 1.31 ERA, allowing just three earned runs over 20.2 innings. He struck out 21 batters while walking only 7, holding opposing hitters to a .194 batting average and sporting a 1.02 WHIP. His ability to consistently limit baserunners and miss bats made him one of the most reliable arms in the Saints’ bullpen.
After opting out of his deal with the Twins due to a lack of big-league opportunity, the Mets offered him a shot and now he’s in Queens with a chance to make an impression.
Whether or not he toes the rubber tonight, one thing is certain: Dicky Lovelady has arrived, and Mets fans will be ready to see what he brings to the mound.