Vertigo Symptoms Delay Nolan McLean's Arrival for World Baseball Classic

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Vertigo Symptoms Delay Nolan McLean's Arrival for World Baseball Classic

The anticipation surrounding Nolan McLean's debut with Team USA in the upcoming World Baseball Classic (WBC) has been tempered by a health setback. The New York Mets pitcher has experienced vertigo-like symptoms, forcing him to delay his arrival at the team's training camp in Scottsdale, Arizona. While the exact timeline for his joining the squad remains uncertain, McLean himself has voiced optimism about his recovery.

McLean, a promising 24-year-old right-hander, reported feeling significantly better over the past couple of days. "I'm definitely feeling better these last couple of days," McLean told reporters on Tuesday. "I haven't missed any days of throwing. I kind of grinded through it a little bit last week, still feeling the vertigo symptoms, but this week I'm feeling pretty good." This indicates a positive turn in his condition, crucial for his potential participation in the international tournament.

The symptoms, described as vertigo-like, began to manifest on Friday night, accompanied by a loss of appetite. This prompted Mets manager Carlos Mendoza to keep McLean with the team in Port St. Lucie, Florida, rather than allowing him to travel to Arizona. "He instead remained with the Mets in Port St. Lucie, Florida, and started feeling better Saturday," Mendoza explained. McLean has been able to continue his throwing regimen, pitching on the side on Sunday and scheduled for another session on Wednesday.

"If everything goes well, he will report to Team USA after that," Mendoza added, emphasizing that McLean's return to the mound is contingent on his continued recovery. McLean himself acknowledged that this is not his first experience with such symptoms, recalling a similar, though shorter-lived, episode in high school. "Just standing still, I would get dizzy out of nowhere," McLean said. "We kind of came to the conclusion it was inner-ear stuff." This suggests a potential inner-ear issue that requires careful monitoring.

Despite the setback, Team USA manager Mark DeRosa remains hopeful. On Tuesday, DeRosa confirmed that McLean is still projected to start the fourth game for the United States. "[Tuesday] was a better day and, obviously, we'll keep monitoring it," DeRosa stated. "We have until [Friday] to finalize the roster, but certainly he's been with us for the last three, four months and we'd love for him to join us." The flexibility in the roster deadline until Friday provides a crucial window for McLean's assessment.

The World Baseball Classic is a significant event for international baseball, and Team USA aims to field a strong roster. The starting rotation is anchored by San Francisco Giants ace Logan Webb, who is set to start Game 1 against Brazil. He will be followed by Tarik Skubal (vs. Great Britain) and Paul Skenes (vs. Mexico), highlighting the depth and talent within the American squad.

McLean, who maintains his rookie status, is preparing for his first full season in Major League Baseball. Last year, he made a late-season call-up, posting an impressive 5-1 record with a 2.06 ERA in eight starts. His potential contribution to Team USA is significant, especially given his strong performance in limited opportunities.

McLean stressed the importance of prioritizing his health. "Obviously my body, I had to take care of my body first and make sure that it was where I wanted to be before I go out and try to compete for Team USA," he said. "I'm comfortable with where I'm at right now." His responsible approach to his health underscores his commitment to both his MLB career and his national team duties.

The situation with Nolan McLean serves as a reminder of the physical demands of professional baseball and the unpredictable nature of athletes' health. While his absence from the initial camp is a concern, his recovery progress and the team's confidence offer a positive outlook for his potential involvement in the World Baseball Classic.

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