Mets manager Carlos Mendoza spoke on a variety of topics before Wednesday night's meeting with the Braves. Here's what he said…
McLean gets the call
The incessant chatter surrounding top prospects Nolan McLean and Brandon Sproat as rotation replacements for an ineffective Frankie Montas has finally subsided. The Mets are moving the veteran right-hander to the bullpen, and calling up McLean to start Saturday's game against the Mariners at Citi Field.
McLean's big-league promotion seemed inevitable in recent weeks, as injuries and inconsistencies have hampered the Mets' pitching staff all summer long. While both youngsters "were in the conversation" for this neccessary call-up, according to Mendoza, McLean had a clear edge as the No. 1 prospect in the system.
"There's a lot to like. We all see the pitches," Mendoza said. "Everyone talks about the sweeper, the mid-90s, the sinker, everything else. But the way he carries himself… It's just about how he carries himself, how he deals with adversity, his ability to navigate lineups. The way he fields his position, controls the running game… I'm excited to have him here."
Whether or not the Mets truly wanted McLean in the majors this early, the 24-year-old right-hander undoubtedly earned his promotion. He's thrived between Double-A Binghamton and Triple-A Syracuse this season, boasting a 2.45 ERA and 1.12 WHIP with 127 strikeouts across 113.2 total innings.
The Mets love McLean's arsenal — Mendoza mentioned a stellar sweep that complements a mid-90s fastball — and his first full season since transitioning away from two-way player duties has exceeded expectations.
When asked about McLean's potential in the batter's box, Mendoza dismissed it. He's going to stay on the mound, even though his role on the Mets' roster is currently undefined. For now, he's a rotation fixure. But the Mets will carefully monitor his workload, and it's possible McLean finds his way to the bullpen once the postseason nears.
"Every time you're able to call up a prospect, whether it's a position player or pitcher, the expectation here is to help us win games," Mendoza said. "That's what we'll get from a lot of these guys… We're going to need these guys. Shoutout to the development people… There's not just one guy, there's options."
McLean last pitched on Sunday, and was limited to four innings of one-run ball with seven strikeouts (74 pitches). In 13 starts with Triple-A Syracuse this season, he held opposing hitters to a measly .184/.285/291 slash line.
The return of Blackburn
McLean's promotion wasn't the only news linked to the Mets' pitching staff on Wednesday. Paul Blackburn was officially activated off the injured list, after spending a handful of weeks rehabbing a shoulder issue.
The veteran right-hander isn't returning to the rotation, however. Blackburn will be working as a reliever, and Mendoza appreciates his willingness to adjust his routine with a team-first mentality.
"He was in Syracuse, getting ready for a start earlier today. We got a hold of him, and kind of just presented the option. Do you want to stay [in Triple-A] and pitch, or do you want to come back and be in the bullpen? And without hesitation, he's like, 'I'll come back.' It says a lot about how much he wants to help us, and here he is."
Blackburn, who last pitched for the Mets on June 28, began a rehab assignment in mid-July and logged four outings in Triple-A. The 31-year-old was unreliable prior to his injury, though, as he produced a bloated 7.71 ERA and 1.98 WHIP across 18.2 innings (four starts, two relief outings).
In a corresponding move, the Mets optioned reliever Justin Hagenman, who delivered four clutch scoreless innings in Tuesday's beatdown of the Braves.
Vientos remains on bench
Mark Vientos has played just once over the last week, and his absence in the lineup hasn't been due to injury.
Mendoza said the slugging infielder — who's hitting just .230 with a .277 on-base percentage this season — is simply lower on the pecking order right now.
"It's where we're at. We've got four guys who are playing well," Mendoza said. "Only nine can play. So, it's a rotation spot. That's where we're at. But he's fine."
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