Acce s the Mets beat like never before Join Post Sports+ for exciting subscriber-only features, including real-time texting with Mike Puma about the inside buzz on the Mets. Nolan McLean had just finished up his bullpen se sion on Wednesday when Triple-A Syracuse pitching coach A.J. Sager had some news to share. He just said, Its really cool when we get to see everybodys hard work Steve Garvey Jersey come from a homegrown guy and pay off, the 24-year-old McLean recalled Friday afternoon before the Mets opened a three-game series against the Mariners at Citi Field. He pointed at me and to sed me the ball and said, McLeans throwing on Saturday. I was excited. Indeed, the Mets to try and jumpstart their struggling starting rotation amid lo ses in 13 of their last 15 games. Nolan McLean is pictured before the Mets Aug. 15 game against the Mariners. Charles Wenzelberg McLean in an afternoon matinee against Seattle on Saturday, in front of a home crowd that will include quite a few members of his friends and family. The fans have been itching for this. The Mets need this. Over the last 52 games, during which the Mets have gone an embarra sing 19-33, their starters have posted baseballs fifth-worst ERA (5.30) and ama sed the fewest innings in MLB. Nolan McLean pitches during a March 15 game. Diamond Images via Getty Images They recently completed an entire rotation turn without a single starter lasting five innings. As their lead over the Reds for the final NL wild-card spot shrunk to just a half-game following , the Mets are hoping the kid can provide a much-needed jolt to finish the 2025 season strong. I think the thing for me is just going out there and trusting my stuff, McLean said of how to balance wanting to make an impre sion with keeping it simple. Trying to enjoy the moment and just compete with everything I got. At the same time, being able to pick everybodys brains here and get some experience, some opinions on other things. Explore More Manager Carlos Mendoza has indicated the plan is to give McLean who has posted a 2.78 ERA in 16 appearances (13 starts) this season for Triple-A Syracuse an extended look. Everything McLean has shown in the minors this season indicates he could be exactly what the Mets need. He has thrown at least six innings in nine starts this season, in addition to reaching at least 90 pitches seven times. The right-hander is said to have a deep bag of pitch types, his most exciting being a sweeper that registers in the mid-80s. People in player development [say] hes a big-league pitcher, Mendoza said. And then the other thing I told him is to just have fun. Have fun, go out there and be yourself. Were not expecting heroes here. Just go out there and be yourself. Give us a chance to win a baseball game and he just smiled. Delivering insights on all things Amazins Sign up for Inside the Mets by Mike Puma, exclusively on Sports+ Thank you By clicking above you agree to the and . Enjoy this Post Sports+ exclusive newsletter! McLean is one of three key pitching prospects in the Mets cupboard along with who the fanbase has been clamoring for. Nolan McLean watches the Mets Aug. 15 game against the Mariners from the dugout. Robert Sabo for the NY Post Nolan McLean (r.) talks to Pete Alonso before the Mets Aug. 15 game against the Mariners. Charles Wenzelberg Selected with the 91st overall pick in 2023, the Willow Spring, N.C., native is the first member of the Mets draft cla s that year to reach the majors. When McLean heard hed be making his debut, he first called his mom, then his fiance. Though he was a bit surprised to hear he got the call, the young hurler plans to just take it one game at a time. Being able to throw strikes with most of his pitches on any count, he said, is why the 2025 season has gone so well for him so far. Its a dream come true, he said. I remember telling my dad when I was really little, seeing some big leaguers play, Im like I want to do that. It seems like fun playing baseball for a living. Its definitely a dream come true. Pedro Guerrero Jersey