New York Mets pitcher Nolan McLean expressed confidence Tuesday that he will join Team USA in Houston later this week, signaling a recovery from the vertigo-like symptoms that delayed his arrival to World Baseball Classic (WBC) training camp.
“I’m definitely feeling better these last couple of days,” McLean told reporters. “I haven’t missed any days of throwing. I kind of grinded through it a little bit last week… but this week I’m feeling pretty good.”
McLean was initially scheduled to report to Team USA’s camp in Scottsdale, Arizona, but remained at the Mets’ facility in Port St. Lucie after developing dizziness and a loss of appetite last Friday.
Mets manager Carlos Mendoza attributed the symptoms to an inner-ear issue.
Team USA rotation set
McLean threw a side session on Sunday and is slated for another workout on the back fields on Wednesday. Pending the results of that session, he is expected to travel to Houston to finalize his spot on the roster before Friday’s deadline.
Despite the health hurdle, Team USA manager Mark DeRosa confirmed that the Mets ace remains the projected starter for Game 4 against Italy. DeRosa noted that the staff has been monitoring McLean’s progress closely for months and is eager to integrate him into a rotation that features some of the game’s brightest stars:
- Game 1 vs. Brazil: Logan Webb (San Francisco Giants)
- Game 2 vs. Britain: Tarik Skubal (Detroit Tigers)
- Game 3 vs. Mexico: Paul Skenes (Pittsburgh Pirates)
- Game 4 vs. Italy: Nolan McLean (New York Mets)
McLean, the rookie on the rise
McLean enters the international tournament following a breakout 2025 campaign. As a late-season call-up for the Mets, the 24-year-old maintained a 2.06 ERA and a 5-1 record over eight starts.
While he admitted to having a brief spell of vertigo in high school, McLean emphasized that this recent bout required a more cautious approach to ensure he was “at 100%” before competing on the global stage. “I had to take care of my body first,” McLean said. “I’m comfortable with where I’m at right now.”
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