PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. -- Nolan McLean’s World Baseball Classic experience was delayed by a few days after the Mets pitcher experienced what his manager called “some vertigo-like symptoms” last Friday.
McLean reported some dizziness and a loss of appetite, though Mendoza said the symptoms “got better” by Saturday. The 24-year-old had been scheduled to join Team USA in Arizona on Monday, but the Mets opted to keep him in Port St. Lucie for a few extra days to make sure the issue was behind him.
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The right-hander threw a side session on Sunday, then came into the Mets’ facility during Monday’s off-day to play catch and check in with the team’s medical staff. Mendoza said McLean will pitch in a Minor League game on a back field on Wednesday.
“He has to pitch for us tomorrow,” Mendoza said. “If everything goes accordingly, he'll go.”
Mendoza said McLean’s symptoms are gone, adding that no tests were done after he reported the issue.
“He reported some dizziness, so we just decided to play it smart and just keep him here under our watch before he goes out there,” Mendoza said. “Talking to the doctors and things like that, as of right now, he's going to be cleared.”
McLean is slated to start for Team USA against Italy on March 10. Team USA manager Mark DeRosa told reporters Monday that they would reassess McLean’s status day to day.