As the countdown to the next edition of the World Baseball Classic continues, players across Major League Baseball are fine-tuning their bodies and sharpening their arms for the global spotlight. For rising stars, the tournament represents more than just mid-spring competition. It is a chance to showcase talent on an international stage while balancing the physical demands of a long MLB season ahead. That balance recently became a focal point for New York Mets right-hander Nolan McLean, who dealt with an unexpected health scare just days before he was set to report for national duty.
McLean revealed this week that he experienced vertigo-like symptoms but is now trending in the right direction as he prepares to suit up for Team USA.
“I’m definitely feeling better these last couple of days,” McLean told reporters Tuesday. “I haven’t missed any days of throwing. I kind of grinded through a little bit last week, still feeling the vertigo symptoms, but this week I’m feeling really good.”
The 24-year-old explained that the dizziness began early last week. While he previously dealt with a brief vertigo episode in high school that subsided quickly, this instance lingered longer than he expected.
“Just standing still, I would get dizzy out of nowhere,” McLean said. “We kind of came to the conclusion it was inner-ear stuff.”
Despite the discomfort, McLean continued his throwing program and plans to take the mound Wednesday to ensure everything feels normal before officially joining Team USA.
The young right-hander still qualifies as a rookie and is gearing up for his first complete major league campaign. He impressed during a late-season call-up last year, posting a 5-1 record with a stellar 2.06 ERA across eight starts. Now, with his health improving and confidence restored, McLean is ready to represent his country.
“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,” McLean said. “I’m comfortable with where I’m at right now.”