Completely forgotten Blue Jays reliever has emerged as Nationals top bullpen arm

Sometimes, just getting that one extra chance can do wonders for a major leaguer just trying to survive in MLB. That has become the case for former Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Richard Lovelady as the completely forgotten Blue Jays reliever has now emerged as the top bullpen arm for the Washington Nationals this season.

Lovelady has certainly been a pleasant surprise for the Nationals in 2026. The 30-year-old journeyman has compiled a 1-1 record, a stellar 1.72 ERA, giving up just three earned runs and only one home run with 15 strikeouts in 15.1 innings pitched over 16 appearances (through May 27) with Washington this year. More impressively, his 1.72 ERA leads all Nationals relievers and is also among the league leaders in that category as well.

Did the Blue Jays’ impatience allow a potential solid bullpen piece slip through their hands?

However, Lovelady’s journey hasn’t been easy since he made his MLB debut with the Kansas City Royals back in 2019. Constantly struggling to find his footing im the league, the 30-year-old left-hander would also have stops with the Oakland Athletics, Atlanta Braves, Chicago Cubs and Tampa Bay Rays before finally landing with the Blue Jays in 2025.

However, his completely forgettable stint with Toronto sure didn’t last long. After making the Blue Jays’ Opening Day roster, Lovelady would last all but two relief appearances, compiling an 0-1 record, an unsightly 21.60 ERA, 2.40 WHIP, giving up four runs on two hits with two walks and three strikeouts in just 1.2 innings of work.

He would be promptly designated for assignment by the Jays in mid-April and Lovelady was off on his journey once again in search of his opportunity after electing free agency. The 30-year-old reliever would make a couple of more stops with the Minnesota Twins and New York Mets before finally settling in Washington where he is at today.

But even that settlement didn’t come easy as Lovelady went through three reciprocal DFAs and signings between the Mets and Nationals in early 2026 before he was finally traded by New York to Washington on April 16. Now it appears that Lovelady has ultimately found his niche with the Nationals, helping the team to their current 28-27 record to sit second in the National League East behind the division-leading Atlanta Braves.

For a Blue Jays bullpen that had been ravaged by injuries so far this season, Lovelady would have been a welcoming piece to have on hand. However, as the property of the Nationals now, Toronto fans can only wonder what if, had they actually given him more than a two-game sample look.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow