Mets set to call up top pitching prospect McLean for weekend spot start against Mariners
The Mets are set to promote right-hander McLean to make his MLB debut and start Saturday against Seattle. He still needs to be added to the 40-man roster and have his contract selected from Triple-A Syracuse. With Frankie Montas moved to the bullpen, New York needed a fill-in starter for the weekend series with the Mariners, and McLean appears to be the choice.
McLean, the Mets’ top pitching prospect, is 24 years old and has appeared in 21 games this season across Double- and Triple-A, including 18 starts. He owns a 2.45 ERA and 10.1 strikeouts per nine innings over 113.2 innings. He could serve as a short-term solution until Paul Blackburn, who is on the 15-day injured list with a shoulder issue, is ready to return.
What to know
– Expected start: Saturday vs. Seattle
– 24-year-old right-hander, top Mets prospect
– Minor-league numbers: 2.45 ERA, 10.1 K/9, 113.2 innings in 21 games (18 starts)
– Roster move: must be added to 40-man and contract selected from Syracuse
– Context: fills the rotation while Blackburn is sidelined and Montas works in the bullpen
Additional value and context
– This move emphasizes the Mets’ confidence in McLean’s ability to handle major-league hitters despite limited big-league experience.
– If McLean performs well, he could earn additional opportunities within the rotation or provide length and depth out of the bullpen as needed.
– The decision highlights the Mets’ broader pitching depth and their plan to preserve longer-term health and stability in the rotation while Blackburn recovers.
Summary
The Mets are leaning on McLean, their top pitching prospect, to start this weekend against Seattle as a temporary fix while they finalize roster moves and wait for Blackburn’s return. If he proves effective, it could pave the way for continued opportunities in the near term and reinforce the organization’s confidence in its farm system.