Hinesville’s own Richard Lovelady made his return to the major leagues Tuesday night against the Atlanta Braves.

The New York Mets called up the left-hander, who starred at FPCA before playing collegiately at East Georgia and Kennesaw State, and he logged 1 2/3 innings in the Mets’ 7-4 loss. Lovelady retired the first five batters he faced before allowing a hit and two walks.

Lovelady last pitched in the big leagues on March 29, going one inning for the Toronto Blue Jays against the Baltimore Orioles.

Lovelady was in the Minnesota Twins’ minor league organization, and in 19 games with the Class AAA St. Paul Saints, he was 0-1 in 19 appearances with a 1.31 earned run average, striking out 22 batters in 20 2/3 innings. He had an opt-out clause in his contract and became a free agent on June 15. He signed with the Mets on Monday.