The Nationals have acquired LHP Richard Lovelady from the New York Mets for cash considerations, and moved LHP Ken Waldichuk to the 60-day IL to make room on the 40-man roster.
The Nats would have to make a later reciprocal move to add Lovelady to the MLB roster.
Lovelady, 30, has been yo-yoing back and forth between New York and Washington for the last six months, as he re-signed with the Mets in October, was waived and claimed by the Nats in January, and then went back to Queens on waivers in March after opening spring training with Washington.
He made the opening day roster in Queens and allowed three runs in 7 1/3 relief innings before being designated for assignment over the weekend.
Now, Lovelady joins his seventh official MLB team, and a Nationals bullpen that has worked hard of late, especially after losing Waldichuk and Cole Henry to the IL. Washington currently has three other lefties in the bullpen in Cionel Perez, PJ Poulin, and Mitchell Parker, who was recalled on Tuesday after Jackson Rutledge was shelled against Pittsburgh on Monday.
As for Waldichuk, he left Sunday’s game with what was termed forearm tightness, and manager Blake Butera announced Monday that he has been recommended for Tommy John surgery, but is seeking a second opinion.
Waldichuk previously had Tommy John surgery in May 2024 and missed all of that season and part of 2025, returning on a rehab assignment in late June.
