Mets’ Mendoza Shares Mixed Emotions Ahead of McLean’s WBC Final Start

As the Mets prepare to face the Marlins in Jupiter, all eyes are set on Miami later this evening, where Nolan McLean is set to take the mound for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic (WBC) final. The 24-year-old pitcher has been impressive this spring, and his performance in this high-stakes game is eagerly anticipated.

Carlos Mendoza, the Mets’ manager, expressed his mixed feelings about McLean’s start, acknowledging the unique pressure the rookie will face. “I have mixed feelings,” Mendoza admitted on Monday at Clover Park before the Mets took on the Nationals. The stakes are high, and while the excitement of representing one’s country is monumental, the fear of injury looms large, especially given the Mets’ own experience with Edwin Díaz’s season-ending injury during the last WBC.

Mendoza understands the duality of the situation: the thrill of competing on such a grand stage and the potential risks involved. “You’re representing your country and you’ve got the whole world watching you,” he noted. “In this case, he’s got ‘USA’ on his chest, playing with and against the best players. It’s going to be intense.” He emphasized that while the pressures of Major League Baseball are significant, the atmosphere of the WBC brings a different level of intensity.

Concerns about McLean potentially trying to do too much at this critical juncture in spring training are also on Mendoza’s mind. “That’s on the back of the mind of people and organizations,” he shared, acknowledging that other teams, like the Pirates with Paul Skenes, likely feel similarly anxious. “You hold your breath.” Yet, Mendoza remains confident in McLean’s ability to rise to the occasion, stating, “He’s wired, he’s built for moments like that based on what we saw last year. The moment is never too big for him. It’ll be fun and I’ll be watching.” He added with a smile, “We’ll be praying.”

In other team news, shortstop Francisco Lindor is feeling positive after participating in drills following his recent recovery from left hamate bone surgery. Mendoza reported that Lindor was a full participant in Monday’s practice and, barring any setbacks, is expected to play Tuesday in Jupiter. He is on track to start playing back-to-back games after Wednesday’s team off-day.

Meanwhile, Carson Benge is vying for a spot on the Opening Day roster and took to the field in right during Monday’s game. The Mets’ front office has remained tight-lipped about Benge’s chances, but Mendoza encouraged him to focus on his game. “He needs to continue to play his game. There’s a lot that can happen by Opening Day. He’s done everything we’ve asked him to do. He doesn’t have to do anything extra. Just let us make the decision,” Mendoza concluded, leaving the door open for Benge as spring training progresses.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.