New York Mets, Nolan McLean
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Mets head into matchup against Mariners on losing streak
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Nolan McLean did not arrive in Queens with much experience in the art of being a savior. Prior to McLean’s debut Saturday, Mets officials had all but thrown up bright yellow caution signs, begging fans not to place him on too high of a pedestal.
McLean showed off a five-pitch arsenal that included a high-70s curveball, a high-80s sweeper, a 90-mph cutter and sinkers and fastballs both measured in the high 90s. He limited the Mariners to one hit in 10 plate appearances with a runner on base.
Nolan McLean is as advertised. In fact, in his MLB debut, he had a start only matched by one of the most-hyped young pitchers in Mets history. McLean went 5.1 innings on Saturday and struck out eight without allowing a run.
There are many culprits. A starry, highly paid lineup main four of Francisco Lindor, Juan Soto, Pete Alonso and Brandon Nimmo has lacked enough clutch impact. A refortified bullpen has been central to blowing leads in each of the seven games going into Saturday.
As reported by SNY's Andy Martino, one scout believes the Mets made the right call in opting for McLean over Sproat, noting that McLean is slightly ahead in his development.
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