The New York Mets’ injury bug has started again, as reliever Justin Hagenman has been put on the 60-day injured list due to a rib fracture. The Mets made a corresponding move by reacquiring Richard Lovelady off waivers from the Washington Nationals.
Mets Place Reliever Justin Hagenman on 60-Day IL
Hagenman’s injury issues started after he felt soreness in his rib. This occurred after his most recent outing against the Nationals on March 5th. He eventually underwent imaging after the injury seemed to worsen. The imaging confirmed the fracture in his rib, and he will now be out until late May. According to manager Carlos Mendoza, however, there is no timetable for his return, meaning he may be out even longer than expected. It is the latest development in a spring filled with narratives for the Mets’ pitching staff.
We have made the following roster moves. pic.twitter.com/GnvHXQkvke
— New York Mets (@Mets) March 14, 2026
Rough Start to Spring
Before the injury, Hagenman didn’t have much success to start the spring. He appeared in three games, starting in two of them, and would end up with an ERA of 5.40 in 8 1/3 innings pitched. In 2025 with the Mets, he appeared in nine games, starting in one, and would end up with a 4.53 ERA in 23 2/3 innings pitched. Hagenman most likely would have started this season in Triple-A, as he has minor league options remaining, and due to his slow start to spring training. Sadly, it is not clear where he will be pitching during the season, as there is no clear date for his return from injury. It appears that what would have been his first full season in the majors will be somewhat limited.
Richard Lovelady Comes Back to the Mets
The Mets have brought back Lovelady for a second stint with the team. New York signed him to a one-year deal last season, and it did not go as planned. Lovelady made eight appearances with the Mets last season. He pitched in 10 innings and posted an ERA of 6.30. He was abysmal in his limited sample size with the Mets. Lovelady would go on to be DFA’d a total of three times last season. He would end up returning to the Mets this season as they re-signed him to another one-year deal before being DFA’d again after the acquisition of Vidal Brujan.
Lovelady was then claimed by the Nationals and posted a 2.25 ERA in four innings for them in spring training. Even with his solid performance, he would be DFA’d by them on March 10th. The Mets would then claim Lovelady back off waivers due to Hagenman’s injury. It remains to be seen, though, if Lovelady will even throw a pitch this season for the Mets. With Brooks Raley back and A.J. Minter coming back from injury, there may not be a reason for another lefty reliever in the Mets bullpen.
Will Lovelady Actually Pitch This Season?
It remains to be seen if Lovelady will produce for the Mets, if he even makes any appearances at all. If he does make it past all the returns and transactions, he might just keep his spot on the team. It will be interesting to see what the Mets do with Lovelady come the start of the season.
Main Photo Credit: © Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
