Mets injuries reshape the rotation and bullpen ahead of a critical stretch. Tylor Megill appears headed for elbow surgery, with a Tommy John return likely wiping out the 2025 season and possibly 2026 as well. Reed Garrett’s status is murky while doctors review options for his ligament strain. Manaea is slated to start Sunday in a piggyback setup, Senga will throw a live bullpen as the club weighs rest-of-season plans and postseason eligibility. Lovelady returns; Suero is DFA’d; Tyrone Taylor looks to return from hamstring rehab.

The New York Mets bullpen stands at 3.80 ERA, ranking 13th in MLB, but struggles persist due to injuries, particularly in their left-handed relief options. Currently, Brandon Waddell and Richard Lovelady represent the only southpaws in the mix. As the trade deadline approaches, potential solutions like Hoby Milner of the Texas Rangers are drawing attention. Milner, a ground ball specialist, boasts a 55.9% ground ball rate this season, indicating his ability to minimize hard contact. An impressive 2.42 ERA across 44.2 innings this year highlights his effectiveness, especially after a stellar performance in 2023 with a 1.82 ERA in 73 games, demonstrating his reliability and durability.

As the Rangers sit near the bottom of the AL West and with Milner set to hit free agency, the Mets may seek to capitalize on this opportunity. His unique delivery and pitch movement make him a challenging matchup for hitters. The Mets need to act swiftly to bolster their bullpen as they eye a playoff push.

The New York Mets are struggling, having recently experienced a series loss against the Philadelphia Phillies, marking their seventh consecutive loss. Despite breaking the streak on Saturday, they suffered an additional defeat, bringing their record to one win in nine games. In a bid to reverse their fortunes, the Mets signed pitcher Richard Lovelady to a major league contract after he opted out of a minor league deal with the Minnesota Twins. Lovelady, having pitched only 1.2 innings in the current season, has captured attention with his playful request to be called 'Dicky,' a nickname that fans have embraced with enthusiasm. MLB.com's Anthony DiComo reported the news, which has gained significant traction on social media, suggesting that Dicky Lovelady's light-hearted approach might just be the spark the Mets need for a turnaround.