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Mets Rookie Nolan McLean's Team USA Debut Delayed by Illness
McLean was set to start an exhibition game for Team USA but stayed back with the Mets due to feeling under the weather.
Published on Mar. 2, 2026
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Nolan McLean, a rookie with the New York Mets, was not able to join Team USA for the start of their workouts on Monday because he was feeling ill. McLean was supposed to start an exhibition game for the American team on Wednesday, but now they will have to use a patchwork group of pitchers instead. The hope is that McLean will be well enough to start for the Mets on Wednesday.
Why it matters
McLean's debut for Team USA was highly anticipated, as he is considered one of the top young pitching prospects in baseball. His absence from the exhibition game is a setback for both Team USA and McLean's development, as he was set to showcase his talents on the international stage.
The details
According to a source, McLean stayed back in Port St. Lucie with the Mets organization instead of traveling with Team USA for the start of their workouts on Monday. He was scheduled to start an exhibition game for the American team on Wednesday against the Rockies, but now the U.S. will have to use a patchwork group of pitchers for that game.
- McLean stayed in Port St. Lucie with the Mets on Monday when Team USA began their workouts.
- McLean was supposed to start an exhibition game for Team USA on Wednesday against the Rockies.
The players
Nolan McLean
A rookie pitcher for the New York Mets who was set to make his debut for Team USA before falling ill.
Team USA
The United States national baseball team that was set to feature McLean in an exhibition game.
New York Mets
The MLB team that McLean plays for, who he stayed with in Port St. Lucie while feeling under the weather.
What’s next
The hope is that McLean will be well enough to start for the Mets on Wednesday as originally planned, despite missing the Team USA exhibition.
The takeaway
This setback for McLean's Team USA debut is a disappointment, but the priority is ensuring he recovers fully before returning to the mound. His health and development with the Mets remain the top concern.
