Mets Promote Nolan McLean: Pitching Reinforcement for the Rotation

Nolan McLean to Debut in the Major Leagues with the Mets

Pitching prospect Nolan McLean will make his major league debut on Saturday with the New York Mets, who hope the right-hander will boost a rotation that has struggled. McLean, 24 years old, is ranked as the number 3 prospect in the Mets’ farm system. He went 8-5 with a 2.45 ERA in 21 games, including 18 starts, between Double-A Binghamton and Triple-A Syracuse. He struck out 127 batters in 113 2/3 innings with a five-pitch arsenal that includes a mid-to-upper 90s mph fastball, as well as a sweeper that has been clocked in the mid-80s.

We feel good about him going out there and giving us the opportunity to win Major League Baseball games. The credit goes to him for putting himself in this position.

Carlos Mendoza, Mets Manager

Mendoza and pitcher Paul Blackburn, who was called up from Triple-A Syracuse on Wednesday to replace Justin Hagenman on the roster, said they were impressed by McLean’s maturity on the mound.

I was there in Jacksonville (for) his first Triple-A opening and his demeanor and his presence there, it really seemed like he knew what he wanted to do, what he was trying to do, how he was trying to prepare the guys. I think that says a lot about someone.

Paul Blackburn

McLean, who played for Oklahoma State, is the first member of the Mets’ 2023 draft class to reach the majors. He takes the spot in the rotation of Frankie Montas, who was sent to the bullpen on Tuesday after going 3-2 with a 6.38 ERA in his first eight games, including seven starts. The Mets’ rotation ranks sixth in the majors with a 3.70 ERA, although their 591 innings are the fourth fewest. David Peterson, the scheduled starter for Wednesday night against the Atlanta Braves, is the only New York starter to have pitched at least six innings in a start since June 7. McLean, who last pitched for Syracuse on Sunday, has thrown at least six innings in nine starts this season. He reached at least 90 pitches seven times, most recently on August 5.

Every time you can call up a prospect, whether a position player or a pitcher, the expectations here are to help us win baseball games.

Carlos Mendoza, Mets Manager