The Mets have reclaimed left-handed reliever Richard Lovelady off waivers from the Nationals while placing right-handed pitcher Justin Hagenman on the 60-day injured list due to a rib fracture.
Lovelady, who has been part of the Mets organization since late June last year, has been designated for assignment four times but repeatedly went unclaimed and returned, most recently in late January to make room for Vidal Bruján.
With no remaining options, Lovelady could face another DFA soon, especially with other left-handed relievers competing for a bullpen spot alongside Brooks Raley and potentially A.J. Minter if he returns from injury on schedule.
Hagenman’s injury comes unexpectedly; he had thrown 8.1 innings in spring training with a 5.40 ERA and 5.57 FIP, following 23.2 innings last season in the majors with a 4.56 ERA and 3.77 FIP.
Though he still had minor league options and might have started the season in Triple-A Syracuse, he will now be sidelined from MLB action for at least a couple of months.
