Nationals Trade for Lovelady to Boost Bullpen

It's April 16, I'm Cory with the story, and this is Washington Nationals News today.

Your AI-powered team report.

The Washington Nationals just made a move to shore up their bullpen, trading with the

New York Mets for left-handed pitcher Richard Lovelady in, exchange for cash.

This comes after two pitchers went down earlier this week, leaving the team short on arms.

Lovelady, a 30-year-old reliever, had a quick stint with the Nats earlier this year before

getting designated for assignment.

He's posted a 3.68 ERA this season over 7.1 innings with six strikeouts and just three

runs allowed.

Manager Blake Boutera voiced real worry about the injuries, especially after Ken Waldechuk

left the game before arm trouble.

Waldechuk's now on the 60-day injured list and might need Tommy John's surgery for the

second time, though he's getting a second opinion first.

Cole Henry is also sideline long-term.

The bullpen's been shaky to start the 2026 season, putting pressure on the pitching staff

overall.

Lovelady brings experience from stops with teams like the Royals, athletics, Cubs,

Rays, Blue Jays, and Mets.

Nats sit just one game back from 500, wrapping up their series against the Pittsburgh Pirates

this afternoon at 12.35 pm.

Eastern Foster Griffin starts for them, while Lovelady joins soon to help steady the ship.