Richard Lovelady

Richard Tyler Lovelady (born July 7, 1995) is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Kansas City Royals of Major League Baseball (MLB).

Lovelady attended First Presbyterian Christian Academy in Hinesville, Georgia and played college baseball at East Georgia State College and Kennesaw State University. He was drafted by the Kansas City Royals in the 10th round of the 2016 Major League Baseball draft.

Lovelady made his professional debut with the Arizona League Royals and was promoted to the Idaho Falls Chukars during the season; in 25 total relief innings pitched between both teams, he posted a 2-1 record, 1.80 ERA and a 0.92 WHIP In 2017, he spent time with both the Wilmington Blue Rocks and the Northwest Arkansas Naturals, pitching to a combined 4-2 record and 1.62 ERA in 66.2 total relief innings pitched. Lovelady spent 2018 with the Omaha Storm Chasers, going 3-3 with a 2.47 ERA in 46 relief appearances. In 2019, he opened the season with Omaha.

Lovelady was promoted to the majors for the first time on April 9, 2019. He made his major league debut against the Seattle Mariners that evening, recording two strikeouts in one inning of relief.