DENVER -- Nolan McLean will return to the mound Friday against the Diamondbacks for his eighth start of the season, carrying a 1-2 record and 2.97 ERA into that 9:40 p.m. ET game at Chase Field. He’ll be looking for his first win since April 3. Here’s what else to know about his outing:
Last start: McLean’s trend of inefficiency continued last time out, as he threw 78 pitches (51 strikes) over just four innings in Anaheim. Once again, McLean said he only really trusted his sinker, which became a problem as Angels hitters began worrying less about his offspeed pitches.
Stat to know: Among National League pitchers with at least 30 innings, McLean’s rate of 11.67 strikeouts per nine innings ranks second behind only Jacob Misiorowski of the Brewers.
What he said: “I just wasn’t executing,” McLean said. “Like I’ve stated a lot this year, it’s really hard to pitch behind in counts.”
Next opponent: McLean threw a quality start but took the loss April 9 against the Diamondbacks, allowing two runs on only three hits and two walks over 6 1/3 innings. First baseman Jose Fernandez was the biggest problem for McLean, singling and doubling in three at-bats.