Mets Rookie McLean Delays WBC Arrival Due to Dizziness

New York Mets rookie pitcher Nolan McLean has delayed his arrival to Team USA's World Baseball Classic camp due to recent vertigo-like symptoms, though he remains on track to start for his country against Italy on March 10.

McLean, a 24-year-old right-hander in his first major league spring training, experienced dizziness and a loss of appetite starting February 27, shortly after a strong outing against the Houston Astros. Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said the team chose to keep McLean in Port St. Lucie, Florida, for evaluation as a precaution. "He reported some dizziness, so we just decided to play it smart and keep him here under our watch before he goes out there," Mendoza told reporters Tuesday. The symptoms subsided by Saturday, and McLean threw a side session Sunday and played catch Monday without issues. Doctors have cleared him to fly, and he is scheduled to pitch in a minor league game on the Mets' back fields Wednesday. If that goes well, he will join Team USA later in the week.

McLean's participation comes amid a breakout spring for the Mets' top prospect, as rated by MLB.com for the second straight year. In his debut February 26, he pitched four innings of one-hit...