Mets' Nolan McLean Feeling Better After Vertigo Scare, Aims to Join Team USA Soon

The 24-year-old right-hander hopes to pitch for the U.S. in the upcoming World Baseball Classic.

Mar. 3, 2026 at 11:03pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Nolan McLean, the Mets' rising young pitcher, is recovering well after dealing with vertigo-like symptoms last week due to a viral ear infection. McLean said he's feeling 'really good' the past couple of days and plans to pitch on Wednesday, with the goal of joining Team USA's star-studded pitching staff for the World Baseball Classic soon.

Why it matters

McLean was a breakout star for the Mets last season, and his inclusion on the Team USA roster was seen as a major boost for the squad's chances in the upcoming WBC tournament. His recovery from the vertigo issue is crucial, as the U.S. team looks to field its best possible pitching rotation.

The details

McLean told reporters that the vertigo symptoms stemmed from a viral ear infection, causing him to feel dizzy and off-balance last week. He said he began to turn a corner on Friday but remained at Mets camp as his teammates left for the WBC. The 24-year-old is set to pitch on Wednesday, and if all goes well, he will join Team USA in Houston.

  • McLean began feeling the vertigo symptoms last week.
  • He started to improve on Friday.
  • McLean plans to pitch on Wednesday, March 8.

The players

Nolan McLean

A 24-year-old right-handed pitcher for the New York Mets who had a breakout 2025 season and is set to join Team USA's pitching staff for the World Baseball Classic.

Team USA

The United States national baseball team that will compete in the upcoming World Baseball Classic tournament.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I'm definitely feeling better these last couple days. I haven't missed any days of throwing. Kind of grinded it through a little bit last week, still feeling the vertigo symptoms, but this week I'm feeling really good.”

— Nolan McLean, Mets Pitcher

“It's not a whole lot of fun to deal with. It just kind of feels like you're spinning in circles or you're on a boat when you're obviously not.”

— Nolan McLean, Mets Pitcher

What’s next

If McLean's Wednesday outing goes well, he will join Team USA's roster in Houston to prepare for the World Baseball Classic.

The takeaway

McLean's recovery from the vertigo-like symptoms is crucial for Team USA's pitching staff, which is already stacked with top talent. His inclusion will boost the U.S. team's chances of success in the upcoming WBC tournament.