Nolan McLean is feeling better after a bout with vertigo-like symptoms and hopes to join Team USA for the World Baseball Classic soon.
The Mets right-hander told reporters in Port St. Lucie that the issue stemmed from a viral ear infection, causing him to deal with dizziness last week.
“I’m definitely feeling better these last couple days,” McLean said. “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.”
McLean said he began to turn a corner on Friday, but he remained at Mets camp after his teammates left Sunday for the World Baseball Classic.
The 24-year-old McLean said he plans to pitch Wednesday, and if all goes well, he will join Team USA in Houston.
“It’s not a whole lot of fun to deal with,” said McLean, who added he lost five pounds last week. “It just kind of feels like you’re spinning in circles or you’re on a boat when you’re obviously not.”
McLean was a revelation after making his MLB debut last August, going 5-1 with a 2.06 ERA with 57 strikeouts in 48 innings over eight starts.
He is set to be part of a star-powered Team USA rotation that also features Paul Skenes, Tarik Skubal and Logan Webb. Mets teammate Clay Holmes is also a member of the U.S. pitching staff.
The WBC begins Thursday, with Team USA scheduled to play its first game of pool play on Friday.
As of now, McLean remains on track to start against Team Italy on March 10.
“I had to take care of my body first and make sure that it’s where I wanted it to be before I go out and try to compete for Team USA,” McLean said. “I’m comfortable with where I’m at right now.”
