Richard Lovelady is a fan favorite of the New York Mets.

He’s just a so-so relief pitcher, but his name has earned him plenty of admirers.

And on April Fools Day, that led to multiple amusing rumors.

The first was that Lovelady has signed a $14.5 million contract extension with the Mets:

BREAKING:

The Mets have agreed to a three-year, $14.5 million contract extension with RP Richard Lovelady, per sources.

The Mets plan to keep the lefty around as a primary bullpen option for the long run. pic.twitter.com/OzQo7hKMQh

— SleeperMets (@SleeperMets) April 1, 2026

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And the next was that Lovelady is getting the ball to start on Wednesday in place of Freddy Peralta:

BREAKING: Freddy Peralta has been scratched from his start against the Cardinals today. No word yet as to why. Richard Lovelady will serve as the opener in today’s game.

— PetersonIsKing (@Peterson_IsKing) April 1, 2026

Neither of these posts appear to have any validity to them. They are being used as some fun jokes on April 1.

Of course, that makes social media a dangerous place on Wednesday. What’s real and what’s not? It’s hard to say.

It’s simply clear from these that Mets fans really do love Lovelady.

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