Nolan McLean’s Quick‑Turnaround: From Vertigo to World Baseball Classic

Nolan McLean, the 24‑year‑old right‑hander who has already made eight major league appearances, is a key player for both the New York Mets and Team USA in the World Baseball Classic. When the U. S. squad began training in Arizona, McLean was still on the opposite coast because he had suffered vertigo‑like symptoms late last week. The Mets’ minor‑league team in Port St. Lucie kept him there, and by Tuesday his symptoms had faded. Team USA’s manager, however, still needs to decide whether McLean can pitch the next day’s exhibition against the Rockies.If he recovers in time, he could also start for the Mets on Wednesday and then be ready to face Italy on March 10 in Houston. If not, the Mets have Clay Holmes as a backup, and Team USA can tap other left‑handers such as Clayton Kershaw or Ryan Yarbrough, who was added to the pitching pool on Sunday. The situation shows how a young pitcher’s health can affect both his club and national team plans, while also highlighting the depth of talent available to Team USA.