Kansas City Royals finally free Richard Lovelady
It has taken far too long, but Richard Lovelady is finally a part of the Kansas City Royals bullpen.
As the Kansas City Royals bullpen has faltered throughout the beginning of the 2019 campaign, the team has searched for answers. Players had been shuffled to Omaha, and yet, the one pitcher who appeared to be an obvious fit remained in AAA. Despite the pleas of the fanbase, Richard Lovelady remained in the minors.
Finally, on Tuesday, those cries were heard. The Royals freed Lovelady, adding him to the 40 man roster and promoting him to the majors. In addition, Heath Fillmyer was called up, with Tim Hill and Kevin McCarthy being sent to the Storm Chasers.
We have recalled RHP Heath Fillmyer from Omaha and selected LHP Richard Lovelady to our 40-man roster. #Royals
— Kansas City Royals (@Royals) April 9, 2019
Finally, that move that Royals fans had clamored for happened. Lovelady, considered a closer in waiting for Kansas City, is getting his chance. Given the status of the bullpen, there are plenty of opportunities to be had, and a strong showing or two could lead to his taking over the closer spot soon rather than later.
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Despite being drafted in the tenth round in the 2016 MLB Draft, Lovelady quickly rose through the ranks. In his minor league career, he has posted a 1.99 ERA and a 0.962 WHiP, striking out 180 batters with just 47 walks in 167.1 innings. He simply has nothing left to prove at the minor league level.
Lovelady also pitched well enough in Spring Training to be a realistic option for Opening Day. In his 8.2 innings in the Cactus League, he allowed ten hits and three walks, striking out 11 batters. Armed with a mid 90s fastball and a solid slider, as well as a developing changeup, Lovelady has a chance to be a part of the Royals bullpen future.
It remains to be seen how soon he will be thrown in the fire. The Royals late inning options of Wily Peralta, Brad Boxberger, and Ian Kennedy have underwhelmed to start the season, leaving an opportunity to take over the closer role sooner rather than later. If nothing else, it seems likely that Lovelady will be in a high leverage situation in short order.
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The Kansas City Royals have finally freed Richard Lovelady. While he may not be the answer to all of their bullpen woes, he is likely to be a part of the overall solution.