Nolan McLean Makes Mets History Against Phillies, MLB Announces

Nolan McLean Joins Rare Mets Club on Wednesday

McLean took the mound against the Philadelphia Phillies on Wednesday and delivered yet another impressive performance, tossing eight dominant innings with six strikeouts and just four hits allowed. With his latest outing, the 24-year-old right-handed pitcher has now logged 20.1 innings across his first three career starts, striking out 21 batters while allowing only two earned runs for a 0.89 ERA.

The effort not only helped New York complete a sweep of the Philadelphia Phillies and extend their home winning streak over their division rivals to ten games, but also placed him in rare company. McLean now joins Hall of Famer Tom Seaver as the only Mets pitchers to record at least 18 strikeouts while allowing three or fewer earned runs through their first three career starts (via Underdog MLB).

Additionally, MLB announced he is the first Mets pitching ever to win their first three career starts.

This comes just five days after he put up a historic seven-inning outing in his second start that saw him become just the second Mets player to record at least 15 strikeouts in his first two starts, joining Matt Harvey. Against the Atlanta Braves, he allowed just two runs on four hits—with no walks and seven strikeouts—leading New York to a resounding 12-7 victory.

Nolan McLean Has Injected New Optimism to Mets Pitching Staff

With the Mets (72-61) starting to look like contenders again in the National League, McLean's emergence couldn't come at a better time as the postseason approaches. His ability to give length, control, and strikeout potential eases pressure on a beleaguered rotation.

Excitement is already building among the Mets fanbase for his fourth start. If he stays consistent, he could be an all-important asset to New York’s rotation. So far, so good, McLean has proven he is no ordinary rookie and can step up to the task when called upon.