According to the MLB transactions log, the Chicago Cubs have signed left-handed reliever Richard Lovelady to a minor-league contract for the 2024 season and assigned him to the Iowa Cubs.
Lovelady came to Oakland in the middle of April last season when the A's were struggling to get innings from anyone. He debuted just two days after Oakland pitchers issued 17 walks and allowed 17 runs to the New York Mets. The lefty provided some stability through May, holding a 2.16 ERA across 16 2/3 innings, walking seven and striking out 17.
Then in June the wheels came off. In six appearances spanning 4 1/3 innings, Lovelady allowed five runs and held a 10.38 ERA before landing on the IL with a strained left elbow.
He would return at the beginning of July, pitching another 2 1/3 innings in three appearances and allowing three runs before landing back on the IL, this time for good, with a strained left forearm.
The 28-year-old now finds himself in the Cubs system and with a chance to be on a contending club. The only left-hander currently projected for Chicago's rotation according to Roster Resource is Drew Smyly, though there are a number of southpaw options down in the minors for the Cubs to consider, including Luke Little and Bailey Horn, who are on the 40-man roster.
While the transaction log didn't say that the contract came with a non-roster invite to spring training, it's hard to imagine a veteran like Lovelady not getting at least a look in camp. Then again, there is tape on Lovelady that can be viewed while Craig Counsell learns an entirely new roster.
Lovelady finished the 2023 season 0-3 with a 4.63 ERA and a 1.07 WHIP and has pitched in the big leagues in four of the last five seasons. The only exception was in 2022 when he was recovering from Tommy John surgery.
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