Overview
- McLean allowed a career-high seven earned runs in 3⅓ innings on Monday and has surrendered 13 earned runs across his last two starts, raising his season ERA to 4.40.
- The rookie called the problem “just bad pitching,” saying he fell behind in counts, missed his off-speed pitches and hit batters with two strikes while manager Carlos Mendoza said McLean is struggling to land secondary pitches but expressed confidence he will rebound.
- The Mets have limited veteran options with Clay Holmes sidelined by a fractured fibula and Kodai Senga still working back from spine inflammation, forcing the club to rely heavily on young starters like McLean.
- New York has dropped multiple games in a row, Mendoza has issued blunt messages demanding accountability, and fans and commentators have voiced strong frustration on social media and in opinion pieces.
- McLean’s slide underscores a broader choice for the front office: accept the volatility of leaning on developing arms or seek veteran innings now to stabilize the rotation and halt the team’s slump.