Former Blue Jays, Mets pitcher cut after only four spring training games

On the same day they announced the previously reported signing of pitcher Zack Littell, the Washington Nationals announced they designated left-hander Richard Lovelady for assignment to clear a spot on the 40-man roster.

It’s a tough break for Lovelady, who had allowed only one run while striking out seven batters in four spring innings across four outings.

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Littell, 30, was one of baseball’s most reliable starting pitchers last year. In 32 starts for the Cincinnati Reds and Tampa Bay Rays, he went 10-8 with a 3.81 ERA over 186.2 innings.

Lovelady, 30, is a journeyman reliever. He split last season with the New York Mets and Toronto Blue Jays, going 0-1 with an 8.49 ERA in 10 big league appearances.

In 35 Triple-A games for the Mets’ and Blue Jays’ affiliates, Lovelady posted a sparkling 1.66 ERA and struck out more than a batter per inning with a 1.05 WHIP.

In 118 MLB games with the Kansas City Royals (2019-21), Oakland A’s (2023), Chicago Cubs (2024), Blue Jays and Mets, Lovelady is 5-13 with a 5.35 ERA.

Lovelady can either be traded or placed on outright or unconditional release waivers in the next seven days. If he clears outright waivers, Lovelady might be assigned outright to the minor leagues.

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