Mets' Justin Hagenman Out With Fractured Rib; Claim Richard Lovelady

New York Mets right-hander Justin Hagenman was placed on the 60-day injured list on March 14, 2026, after being diagnosed with a fractured rib. Manager Carlos Mendoza called it a "significant injury"; Hagenman is expected to miss the first two months of the season. He had felt soreness following his March 5 start against the Washington Nationals. To fill the roster spot, the Mets claimed left-hander Richard Lovelady off waivers from the Nationals.

Lovelady is on a split contract ($350K in the minors, $1MM in the majors) and has moved between several clubs since undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2022. The Mets will use him for bullpen depth while Hagenman recovers. Hagenman had been in the mix for a rotation or long-relief role; his absence tests the Mets' pitching depth as Opening Day approaches.

For AthX users, Hagenman was a depth name; his injury does not directly move dynamic pricing for star players. The Lovelady claim is a roster-filler move. Focus remains on the Mets' frontline arms and everyday players for share value.

*Sources: NJ.com – Mets lose starter to significant injury; MLB Trade Rumors – Mets Claim Richard Lovelady. Fact-checked March 14, 2026.*