Chicago Cubs: A Left-Handed Reliever Rolls the Dice………
A left-handed reliever is being taken on by the Chicago Cubs.
The Chicago Cubs added two arms on Monday to increase their pitching depth, even though they still haven’t signed Cody Bellinger.
Sam McWilliams, a right-handed pitcher, was the first to sign a minor league contract with the team. Richard Lovelady, a left-handed reliever, was the second, having signed with the team following his pro day.
During his pro day bullpen, Lovelady made a good impression by showcasing a variety of well-moving offerings from his arsenal. Although his maximum pitch velocity is in the low nineties, his precision and variety of pitches may be sufficient to regularly strike out batters.
The 28-year-old Lovelady is currently trying to restart his career after having Tommy John surgery in 2021. Before needing surgery, he was having one of his greatest seasons ever, going 2-0 for the Kansas City Royals with a 3.48 ERA, 1.06 WHP, and 23 strikeouts in 20 2/3 innings.
After a lacklustre 2023 season with the Oakland Athletics, the Cubs are hopeful he will fulfil that potential with them. In his first season back from injury, the seasoned southpaw pitched 23 1/3 innings and finished 0-3 with a 4.63 ERA.
Positively, Lovelady had some excellent peripherals last season, including as a 1.07 WHIP and a 9.3 K/9.
His main issue was that his walk rate ballooned to 3.9 BB/9, so he needs to get that under control if he wants to have a significant role with Chicago.
If he improves his command, Lovelady could end up being a solid pickup for the Cubs. Given the minimal cost to acquire him, it’s worth a shot.
