Atlanta Braves Acquire Hard-throwing Lefty Reliever Richard Lovelady
By Fred Owens
What Can Atlanta Braves Fans Expect?
Every indication from his rehab starts and Spring training suggests Lovelady is back to the power-armed left the Royals drafted. If that’s the case, the Braves’ bullpen depth added a new level of nasty, as explained in Baseball America’s final scouting report before his surgery.
The key to Lovelady’s arsenal is an electric mid-90s four-seam fastball with plenty of sinking action (thrown) from a funky, slingshot arm action (it) has an extra gear to it because of his elite extension. He complements the pitch with a potentially plus slider in the upper 80s
Lovelady is on the 40-man roster and has an option year left. If he pitches well for the Stripers, you’ll see him in Atlanta this year.
That’s a Wrap
When I saw Lovelady’s picture on his BBR page, my first thought was how much he reminded me of Mike Foltynewicz and the skinny version of Tommy Hanson.
The Royals did the Atlanta Braves and Lovelady a solid; I hope both enjoy his success.