Mets Nolan McLean passed ultimate test with sights set on joining Team USA after illness

PORT ST.LUCIE — It was mostly quiet, with not many people in the makeshift stands, for Nolan McLean’s latest outing, a minor league game on a back field behind Clover Park.And there weren’t too many familiar faces in the opposing lineup through the right-hander’s four innings Wednesday.

Join Post Sports+ for exciting subscriber-only features, including real-time texting with Mike Puma about the inside buzz on the Mets.But that didn’t make the start any less important for McLean, who emerged as one of the most promising Mets pitchers last season and early this spring before he was sidelined by vertigo-like symptoms that were caused by a viral infection in his inner ear.The symptoms are now gone.

After exiting the game, his focus shifted to the WBC.He’s expected to leave to meet Team USA as soon as Thursday and is slated to pitch March 10 against Team Italy, and if the U.S.advances to the final of the tournament March 17, McLean will get the ball then, as well.“That’s a great honor,’’ McLean said of Team USA manager Mark DeRosa naming him the potential starter for the tournament finale.

“But there’s a lot of baseball to be played [and] a lot of really good teams out there.My job is to go out there, compete against Italy, do the best I can and be a good teammate for the rest of the games.

Then, hope we make the finals and I get the ball.”The Mets are no doubt relieved McLean was back on the mound Wednesday, after the 24-year-old was struck by symptoms that included dizziness and a loss of appetite for much of last week before they began to dissipate over the weekend.During Wednesday’s outing, which lasted about 55 pitches, he showed no effects of the issues he dealt with that led to his delay in getting to the WBC.Sign up for Inside the Mets by Mike Puma, exclusively on Sports+ Please provide a valid email.

By clicking above you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.Enjoy this Po...