Morning Briefing: Nolan McLean to Start WBC Championship Tonight
Good morning, Mets fans!
The WBC championship game takes place tonight at 8 p.m. EST on FOX.
Luckily for Mets fans, Nolan McLean will take the mound, trying to help Team USA win its second WBC and its first since 2017.
McLean will look to improve on his first start, where although he only allowed two hits, he surrendered three earned runs. That game was nearly catastrophic for the United States in an 8-6 loss to Italy. Had a certain scenario not played out, the USA would have been eliminated from knockout round contention.
McLean will look to get his revenge in a matchup against a star-studded Venezuelan lineup.
Thomas Shea-Imagn Images
WBC Results
Team Venezuela defeated Italy in a thrilling 4-2 victory. Entering the seventh inning, trailing 2-1, RBIs by Ronald Acuña Jr., Maikel Garcia and Luis Arraez gave Venezuela the lead. Thanks to three consecutive perfect innings, Venezuela will take on Team USA in the championship.
Latest Mets News
Nolan McLean said via SNY Mets that he expects that a few of his teammates with the Mets will head to Miami Tuesday to watch him pitch. In the same press conference, he said, “You’re crazy if you don’t want to do this. It’s an unbelievable experience for me,” speaking about the opportunity to pitch for Team USA in the championship game.
Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reported that so long as Huascar Brazobán finishes camp healthy after returning from the WBC, he will be on the Mets’ Opening Day roster, according to Carlos Mendoza.
The Mets announced that “something big is coming to Queens.”
Ben Dickson of Newsday Sports reported that he spoke to Carson Benge earlier about what’s ahead as he competes to be the Mets’ Opening Day RF.
Latest MLB News
Daniel Álvarez-Montes of ElExtraBase reported that RHP Aaron Nola will start for Team Italy against Venezuela, not Michael Lorenzen in a strategic move by Francisco Cervelli.
Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reported that MLB has suspended Johan Rojas 80 games without pay after testing positive for Boldenone, a performance-enhancing substance. Suspension begins at the beginning of the 2026 season.
Latest on MMO
Alexis Farinacci discussed Marcus Semien‘s strong performance on Sunday.
Christian De Block reported on Francisco Lindor‘s return to play and optimism for Opening Day.
Robert Colonna discussed a new rule change in the minor leagues.
Gianna Arantes recapped the Mets’ game on Sunday.
On This Date in Mets History
2000: The Mets signed Dominican outfielder Timo Perez on St. Patrick’s Day. Although he was not Irish, he proved to be lucky, becoming a key contributor to the 2000 National League championship team.
Born on This Date: Vance Wilson (1973), Juan Lagares (1989).
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