The New York Mets’ pitching staff has hit its first major hurdle of the 2026 season, as reliever Justin Hagenman has been placed on the 60-day injured list due to a rib fracture.
The injury developed after Hagenman experienced soreness following his most recent outing against the Nationals on March 5, and imaging later confirmed the fracture.
There is currently no timetable for his return, leaving the Mets without clarity on when, or even if, he might be able to contribute this season.
Hagenman, who has minor league options remaining, was likely to start the season in Triple-A due to his slow spring start, but the injury now casts further uncertainty over his role and availability.
In response to Hagenman’s injury, the Mets reclaimed left-handed reliever Richard Lovelady off waivers from the Washington Nationals.
Lovelady, a familiar face in the Mets organization, has had a turbulent career in New York. In 2025, he made eight appearances, pitched 10 innings with a 6.30 ERA, and was designated for assignment three times.
He was then picked up by the Nationals, where he posted a 2.25 ERA in four spring training innings before being DFA’d once again. Now back with the Mets, Lovelady is expected to provide depth to the bullpen, although his actual playing time remains uncertain.
The Mets’ bullpen already features left-handed pitchers Brooks Raley and A.J. Minter, both of whom are expected to contribute this season.
With Lovelady returning, it is unclear if he will earn meaningful innings or serve more as insurance depth while the team navigates another setback in the reliever corps.
The situation highlights the Mets’ ongoing challenges with injuries and roster management, and it will be interesting to see whether Lovelady can finally make an impact in what could be a crowded and competitive bullpen.
