Nolan McLean nearly had Mets' Carlos Mendoza 'jumping off the couch' during WBC final

Before New York Mets prospect and potential future ace Nolan McLean started for Team USA versus Venezuela in the final of the World Baseball Classic this past Tuesday night, Mets manager Carlos Mendoza admitted he had "mixed feelings" about McLean getting the nod for that outing. 

A fired-up McLean then nearly hit 100 mph with a handful of fastballs during what became a 3-2 Venezuela victory. While speaking with reporters on Thursday, Mendoza told reporters that he felt McLean pitching in such a must-win game was a "great experience" for the 24-year-old.

That said, Mendoza didn't necessarily love all that he saw on Tuesday evening. 

Nolan McLean nearly had Carlos Mendoza jumping, but not for joy

"I thought he was really good that day," Mendoza said about McLean, per Ben Krimmel of SNY. "I’m glad that we saw the 98, 99 [mph] early in camp, because if not, I was gonna be jumping off the couch when I was watching it."

During the 2023 World Baseball Classic, then-Mets closer Edwin Diaz suffered a torn patellar tendon in his right knee as he celebrated helping Puerto Rico earn a win. Diaz ultimately didn't appear in a regular-season game again until the spring of 2024. 

As it pertains to McLean, it seems he's just fine after he pitched 4.2 innings against Venezuela. He was responsible for two earned runs, and he recorded four strikeouts with one walk and four hits over 63 pitches. 

What Carlos Mendoza liked about how Nolan McLean handled his WBC duties

"Just how he handled the whole environment," Mendoza added about McLean's performance. "An unbelievable experience for him that is going to continue to set him up for success. Coming back now, a full year here, hopefully gonna keep him healthy… I was proud of him, as well."

McLean made his MLB debut with the Mets last season and has just eight big-league starts on his resume. Assuming his arm will be good to go for the upcoming season, taking the bump against Venezuela could ultimately benefit McLean if he is asked to make important starts for the Mets this coming September.