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Carlos Mendoza Had One Word After Nolan McLean Makes Mets History

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Josh Valdez | Last updated Aug 27, 2025 11:57 PM ET

All MLB teams deal with the injury bug, but it has sank its teeth into the New York Mets' pitching staff like no other this season. Right-handers Reed Garrett, Tylor Megill, Frankie Montas, Christian Scott, Max Kranick, Drew Smith, Dedniel Nuñez, and Griffin Canning are all on the IL, as well as southpaws A.J. Minter and Danny Young.

Enter right-hander Nolan McLean. The Mets' top pitching prospect shoved in the minors this season, going 8-5 with a 2.45 ERA over 21 outings, including 18 starts. He got rewarded with his first big-league call-up on August 13 and has looked like a Cy Young-level hurler since, going 3-0 with a 0.89 ERA over three starts.

McLean tossed eight shutout innings in Wednesday's 6-0 win over the first-place Philadelphia, becoming the first pitcher in franchise history to win his first three starts. Manager Carlos Mendoza was in awe postgame, via SNY.

"All I can say is, 'wow,'" he said after chuckling. "That was super impressive. He dominated one of the best lineups in the league. He made it look easy. Everything about the kid, not only what we're seeing on the mound, but the way he carries himself."

"He's got electric stuff, but he's got pitchability," he continued. "He knows what he's doing on the mound, how to manipulate the baseball. He knows what hitters are trying to do to him. He's not afraid to lose all of his pitches...When he's behind, he's got the ability to spin the ball and get back in counts. He's not afraid to challenge hitters. Pretty impressive."

"All I can say is, 'wow.'"

Carlos Mendoza on Nolan McLean: pic.twitter.com/TRpwazhXDa
— SNY (@SNYtv) August 28, 2025

Mets' Pitching Prospects Could Save Their Season

In addition to McLean, New York called up No. 2 pitching prospect Jonah Tong on Tuesday. The 22-year-old right-hander will start against the Miami Marlins on Friday, via ESPN.

Tong has had the best season among pitchers in the minors, as he leads with 179 strikeouts and a 1.43 ERA across 22 starts. The Mets need help from their prospects due to injuries and veteran struggles, as ace Kodai Senga has a 5.40 ERA since coming off the IL in July.

If McLean and Tong continue their momentum, it might give New York the boost it needs to lock up a playoff spot. The team is now four games behind Philadelphia atop the NL East and 4.5 games ahead of the Cincinnati Reds for the third and final Wild Card spot.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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