The Chicago Cubs have signed a handful of players to minor league deals in the past week or so and two of them have come after the team sent scouts to Driveline. You can read more about Brian Weiman and Sam McWilliams here. Meanwhile, let’s all welcome new Cubs pitcher DICK LOVELADY!
Richard Lovelady, 28, bounced around in 2023, beginning the season in the Kansas City Royals organization before he was traded to the Atlanta Braves right before Opening Day. Lovelady was then claimed off waivers by the Oakland A’s a few weeks into the regular season. The left-handed pitcher made 27 relief appearances with the A’s before his season was cut short in July because of a muscle strain in his pitching arm.
Lovelady ended the 2023 season with a 4.63 ERA and 1.07 WHIP in 23.1 innings. His first two months in Oakland were pretty good, as the lefty recorded a 2.16 ERA in his first 16.2 innings.
Kansas City drafted Lovelady in the 10th round back in 2016 and the lefty made his MLB debut in 2019. His first stint in the majors was rough, as Lovelady was rocked to the tune of a 7.65 ERA in 20 innings. He was only used once by the Royals during the 2020 season, pitching a total of one inning and then in 2021 Lovelady had his best season in the big leagues. The left-hander had a 3.48 ERA and 1.06 WHIP in 20.2 innings, striking out 23 batters and walking 6 in 20 appearances.
Unfortunately, Lovelady underwent Tommy John surgery at the end of 2021 that forced him to miss all of the 2022 season.
As you would have guessed, Lovelady has been better against left-handed hitters throughout his career, allowing a slash line of .231/.311/.352 compared to .272/.344/.500 against right-handed hitters.
Lovelady, like Weiman and McWilliams, all have one minor league option year remaining.
Listen, do I want to see Richard Lovelady pitching in important spots for the Cubs in 2024? No, not really. But also, think of the meme possibilities with Dick Lovelady getting big outs for the Cubs!
