Nolan McLean is set to make his MLB debut this Saturday for the New York Mets, as the team looks to bolster its struggling rotation. The 24-year-old right-hander, ranked as the No. 3 prospect in the Mets' farm system by ESPN, has shown promise with an impressive record in the minors.

McLean's Minor League Performance

McLean posted an 8-5 record with a 2.45 ERA in 21 games, including 18 starts, split between Double-A Binghamton and Triple-A Syracuse. Over 113 2/3 innings, he struck out 127 batters, showcasing a diverse five-pitch arsenal. His fastball reaches the mid-to-high 90s, complemented by a sweeper clocked in the mid-80s.

Manager's Confidence

Mets manager Carlos Mendoza expressed confidence in McLean's ability to contribute at the major league level. "We feel good with him going out there and giving us a chance to win baseball games at the big league level," Mendoza said. "Credit to him that he put himself in this position."

Impressions from Teammates

Swingman Paul Blackburn, recalled from Triple-A Syracuse, was particularly impressed by McLean's mound maturity. "I was there in Jacksonville for his first start at Triple-A, and his demeanor and presence out there—really looked like he knew what he wanted to do," Blackburn noted. "I think that just kind of says a lot about somebody."

Taking Montas' Spot

McLean is stepping into the rotation spot previously held by Frankie Montas, who was moved to the bullpen after a rocky start to the season. Montas had a 3-2 record with a 6.38 ERA in his first eight games, including seven starts.

Mets' Rotation Stats

The Mets' rotation currently ranks sixth in the majors with a 3.70 ERA, but their 591 innings pitched are the fourth-fewest. David Peterson, the scheduled starter against the Atlanta Braves, is the only Mets pitcher to pitch at least six innings in a start since June 7.

McLean's Recent Performance

McLean last pitched for Syracuse on Sunday, where he continued to demonstrate his stamina by throwing at least six innings in nine starts this season. He has reached at least 90 pitches seven times, most recently on August 5.

Future Expectations

"Every time you're able to call up a prospect, whether it's a position player or a pitcher, the expectation here is to help us win baseball games," Mendoza added. With McLean's debut, the Mets are hopeful for a fresh boost to their pitching lineup as they navigate the remainder of the season.