Nolan McLean struggles again as Mets lose to Reds

Mets’ Struggles Continue with McLean’s Early Exit

The Mets faced an unexpected hurdle on Monday, one that many didn’t foresee. Nolan MacLean, usually a reliable ace, was supposed to be the solution. He could have halted the team’s losing streak—at least that was the hope.

In an ideal scenario, MacLean wouldn’t have left the mound after just 78 pitches in the fourth inning. After a rocky start to his season last week, he managed only three and one-third innings during a 7-2 defeat to the Reds at Citi Field. The stats weren’t pretty: he conceded five hits, seven runs, issued two walks, and hit two batters.

The familiar issues plagued the Mets (22-32). They’ve struggled to score, registering only two runs in five consecutive games and enduring a four-game losing streak for the second time this season. Reds pitcher Nick Lodolo, with a 7.20 ERA entering the game, looked like a star against them. It was such a frustrating scene that the crowd shifted from boos to chants of “Let’s Go Knicks.”

MacLean’s performance this year has been disappointing, mirroring last year’s struggles. The young pitcher, who easily outclassed many opponents in the past, had a rough start. His first 18 pitches on Monday didn’t go well; he got a strikeout but quickly faltered, especially after facing Reds third baseman Sal Stewart. Before long, the bases were loaded, leading to Cincinnati’s first two runs on a fielder’s choice and a wild pitch.

Things didn’t improve in the third inning. JJ Brady hit a homer, followed by Spencer Steer with a two-run shot, and Tyler Stevenson also went deep on the very first pitch after visiting the mound. Most of Cincinnati’s scoring came from McLean’s sinker pitches. Over his last nine innings, he allowed 16 runs and walked four batters. Pulling him in the fourth inning was a first in his MLB career and certainly unexpected.

The Mets simply can’t afford to have even one bad inning, let alone three, especially when their top pitchers struggle. In a small bright spot, Marcus Semien hit a home run in the sixth inning, marking his second hit of the day and providing a momentary lift to the lineup, which was already missing Juan Soto due to illness. Carson Benge added a run by grounding out, scoring Brett Batty.

But those moments were few and far between. The Mets missed additional opportunities—like in the third inning when, with two outs and runners on first and third, Mark Vientos grounded out. The same scenario unfolded in the fifth, ending with Vientos striking out against a breaking ball.

Largely, MacLean had been a saving grace for the Mets. He would typically bring his best or at least offer a chance to win. However, with injury issues plaguing Clay Holmes and Kodai Chiga, and Sean Manaea and David Peterson dealing with demotions, the Mets are entering a worrying phase. Freddy Peralta hasn’t impressed either.