2 weeks Ago By Sportsnet Staff
A pair of Toronto Blue Jays relievers have hit the open market. Right-hander Zach Pop and southpaw Richard Lovelady both cleared waivers and became free agents on Friday, per a team announcement. Pop, a native of Brampton, Ont.
, was designated for assignment by the Blue Jays on Opening Day, despite being injured. Once the 28-year-old officially cleared waivers, he was released by Toronto. Over 58 games with the Blue Jays in 2024, Pop pitched to a 5.
59 ERA while striking out 33 over 48.1 innings. He was acquired by Toronto in a trade deadline deal in 2022 and spent the past three seasons bouncing between triple-A Buffalo and the major leagues.
Lovelady, meanwhile, elected free agency after clearing waivers. The 29-year-old joined the Blue Jays as a free agent this off-season and was chosen to begin the year on the opening-day roster. However, his first two outings didn't go as planned, as Lovelady walked two, hit two others and allowed four runs over 1.
2 innings. He was ultimately designated for assignment after an appearance against the Baltimore Orioles on March 29. The six-year MLB veteran has spent time with Toronto, the Tampa Bay Rays, Chicago Cubs, Athletics and Kansas City Royals.
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