McLean Set to Pitch in WBC Finals
PORT ST. LUCIE — The Mets are facing off against the Marlins in Jupiter on Tuesday, but the real spotlight will be on Miami later that night, a bit further down the road.
Nolan McLean, the 24-year-old pitcher, is set to take the mound for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic finals, looking to capitalize on a promising spring.
McLean’s manager, Carlos Mendoza, has pointed out that the experiences he’s had with the Mets this spring and his major league debut last season are nothing like what he’s about to face now.
Chief among Mendoza’s concerns is that McLean makes it through the game without injury.
“I’m feeling a bit conflicted,” Mendoza admitted Monday at Clover Park before the Mets’ game against the Nationals. “I can’t lie about that.”
There’s a palpable worry within the organization about the potential for injuries during the tournament. They remember well how Edwin Diaz suffered a torn patellar tendon in his knee while celebrating Team Puerto Rico’s win at the last WBC, which sidelined him for all of 2023.
At the same time, Mendoza acknowledges the financial benefits that could come McLean’s way from playing in such a high-stakes game.
“You’re representing your country while the entire world watches,” Mendoza said. “He’ll be wearing ‘USA’ on his jersey, competing against the best. It’s bound to be intense. The big league intensity is one thing, but this is something unique, something he hasn’t quite faced before.”
Of course, there’s always the risk that McLean might overdo it at this early point in spring.
“That’s definitely something on everyone’s mind,” Mendoza remarked. “I’d imagine the Pirates feel similarly about Paul Skens.”
Yet, Mendoza has faith that McLean is ready for this kind of challenge.
“Given what we’ve seen in the past, he’s built for moments like this. I’ve reminded him that no moment is too big for him. It should be a thrilling experience, and trust me, I’ll be tuned in,” he noted.
And speaking of watching, Mendoza also provided an update on Francisco Lindor, who reported feeling good after making his Grapefruit League debut following surgery on his left hamate bone last month. Lindor participated fully in practice on Monday and could feature in Tuesday’s game if he doesn’t experience any setbacks.
Elsewhere, Carson Benge is still in the mix for a spot on the Opening Day roster, having started in right field during Monday’s game. Meanwhile, Mendoza and the front office remain tight-lipped about the potential return of top prospects after spring training.
“He just needs to keep playing his game,” Mendoza advised. “He’s done everything we’ve asked of him. No need for anything extra; we’ll handle the rest.”
