The post Why Mets’ Nolan McClain Didn’t Report to Team USA for World Baseball Classic originally appeared on The Sporting News. Click here to add Sports News as your go-to source.
Team USA begins training camp for the upcoming World Baseball Classic in Scottsdale, Arizona, on Monday.
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Attendees included superstars, former Cy Young Award winners and MLB MVPs including Aaron Judge, Bobby Witt Jr., Tarik Skubal and Paul Skenes.
On paper, Team USA’s pitching staff ranks among the best in the 20-team international tournament. Manager Mark DeRosa’s club has experienced veterans and dynamic youngsters looking to make an impact.
Mets starters Clay Holmes and Nolan McClain are both on the roster, but the latter did not report to Scottsdale on Monday.
McClain deals with ‘vertigo-like symptoms’
When Holmes left Port St. Louis, McClain, one of the best young pitchers in baseball, stayed.
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“Nolan McClain experienced vertigo-like symptoms on Friday night, according to Carlos Mendoza, and he stayed in Port St. Lucie rather than report to Team USA,” MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand wrote on X on Tuesday. “The symptoms resolved and he will be in the backfield on Wednesday; if all goes well, he will join Team USA after that.”
McClain will be a valuable assistant late in games. Skubal is scheduled to report to the Detroit Tigers after one appearance on the mound, and the 24-year-old could step up in his absence. In 2025, McClain made eight starts for the Mets, posting a 2.06 ERA and striking out 57 batters in 48 innings.
