NEW YORK -- The last time Sean Nolin took the mound in a Major League game was Oct. 3, 2015, tossing 80 pitches over a five-inning start against the Mariners. He walked off the field that night in Seattle in an A’s uniform, and he didn’t return to the big stage until Thursday afternoon at Citi Field when he got the nod to start Game 1 of the Nationals split doubleheader versus the Mets.

“[I felt] just excitement, to be honest. I wasn’t nervous,” Nolin said. “It was definitely all positive and good energy, so I was definitely happy with it.”

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The Long Island native threw three innings with four runs off eight hits, no walks and two strikeouts in the Nats’ 4-1 loss. He began the day by fanning leadoff hitter Brandon Nimmo in the first at-bat, but later surrendered a three-run home run to him in the third. Nolin delivered 37 of his 51 pitches for strikes, while mixing in his fastball (57%), cutter (18%), curveball (10%), changeup (10%) and slider (6%).

“I would say the fastball was definitely the best,” Nolin said of the pitch, which maxed at 93.3 mph.

The Nationals selected the contract of Nolin, 31, from Triple-A Rochester on Wednesday to add a left-handed arm who could stretch multiple innings during their rain-riddled series against the Mets, which included a suspended game, a postponement and a doubleheader.

Nolin had been standing out for the Red Wings this season, accumulating a 3-3 record with a 3.80 ERA over 11 appearances (nine starts). This recent success was a product of persevering through years up and down in Minor League levels and playing last season for the ​​Seibu Lions of the Japan Professional League.

“He surprised me a lot,” manager Dave Martinez said Wednesday. “They told me he didn't throw very hard, but he throws anywhere from 91 to 93 [mph], sometimes can top out at 94. But he has a good mix of pitches -- he throws curveballs, sliders, cutters, changeups -- so I'm interested to see him.

“He's pitched in the big leagues before. It's been a while, but he's worked due diligently to get back up here, and it's something that I know I'm proud of that he's stuck with it, and he's back in the big leagues now."