Richard Lovelady

The Blue Jays selected Richard Lovelady’s contract from Triple-A Buffalo on Monday, per team updates, with manager John Schneider noting he’s still vying for an Opening Day spot.

Fantasy Impact

Lovelady’s 5 runs (4 earned) and 8:3 K:BB over 7 spring innings, plus no minor-league options, prompted his Monday 40-man roster addition by Toronto, possibly tied to an opt-out clause. He’s in the Opening Day mix. Fantasy managers in deep leagues can roster him, banking on his lefty arm for relief value if he sticks with the Blue Jays.

The Blue Jays and Richard Lovelady have agreed to a minor-league contract.

Fantasy Impact

The deal will include an invite to spring training where Lovelady will have a chance to compete for a spot in the Blue Jays' bullpen. He posted a 4.46 ERA and a 1.31 WHIP with the Rays and Cubs last season.

Richard Lovelady pitched a clean inning, allowing no hits, walks, or runs, and did not record any strikeouts as he notched a save in the Rays' 5-2 victory over the Guardians.

Fantasy Impact

This performance, while efficient, underscores Lovelady's season of mixed results. With a 4.75 ERA and a 1.35 WHIP over 30 games, his reliability as a fantasy option remains questionable. His low strikeout rate (6.5 K/9) doesn't help his case in categories that reward strikeouts. However, securing his second save might indicate a growing trust in high-leverage situations, which could slightly boost his fantasy value if this trend continues. Nonetheless, fantasy managers should remain cautious, given his overall season metrics and inconsistency.

Richard Lovelady secured his first save of the season in the Rays' 6-1 victory over the Diamondbacks.

Fantasy Impact

He pitched 1 1/3 innings, allowing no hits, walks, or runs, though he didn't record any strikeouts. Despite a rocky season with a 5.89 ERA and 1.47 WHIP, this outing was a clean and efficient performance for Lovelady. His ability to prevent base runners in this appearance is a positive sign, but his low strikeout rate (6.9 K/9) continues to limit his upside in fantasy formats that value punchouts. Fantasy managers should remain cautious, as his season-long inconsistencies and high ERA suggest reliance on him could be risky unless he shows sustained improvement.

The Rays have activated Richard Lovelady (forearm) from the 15-day IL.

Fantasy Impact

Lovelady has been out of action since early June with a flexor strain. Hunter Bigge has been optioned in a corresponding move.