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Nolan McLean admits all Mets’ coast-to-coast traveling has taken toll in first full season

Add The New York Post on Google CINCINNATI — Nolan McLean can appreciate that the Mets don’t have another game scheduled in the Pacific time zone this season.

The rookie right-hander, who is set to face the Reds in Wednesday’s series finale, cited travel as a significant adjustment he’s faced when comparing the grind of a minor league season to one in MLB.

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The Mets’ travels took them to the West Coast four times in their first five road trips.

“The human body just likes consistency,” McLean said before Tuesday’s 5-3 loss. “So, any time you are going to a different coast and different time zone, more than anything your body clock gets thrown off and just different ways to recover can throw off your recovery a little bit or you just feel a little different going out there every time.”

McLean, who owns a 4.01 ERA in 14 starts this season, said traveling west to east has been the hardest on him.

“I don’t think it can hurt anybody being in the same time zone [for the rest of the season] or maybe one-hour changeup going to the Central,” McLean said. “Everything is all about consistency, so if we can recover a little bit better and get a little more consistent in our daily routine, the field of play will be the same.”

Nolan McLean throws a pitch in the first inning of the Mets’ win over the Braves on June 12, 2026 at Citi Field. Corey Sipkin for the NY POST Sean Manaea and Freddy Peralta are aligned to start the Mets’ first two games in Philadelphia, according to manager Carlos Mendoza. But how they will proceed Sunday is still unclear.

Tobias Myers, who struggled in the opener role Monday, and scuffling David Peterson are among the options. Mendoza didn’t rule out the possibility the Mets would look to Triple-A Syracuse for a starter.

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Myers surrendered seven earned runs over 1 ¹/₃ innings against the Reds.

“He’s a guy that can do a lot of different things for us,” Mendoza said. “He’s stretched out, but he’s going to continue to be a pretty important part of our bullpen.”

Infielder Zack Short reported to the major league team a day after he was claimed off waivers from the Tigers. It was a return to the Mets for the 30-year-old Kingston, N.Y., native, who played for the team in 2024.

“We’re familiar with the player, he’s a pretty steady defender and a guy that can play multiple positions,” manager Carlos Mendoza said.

Vidal Brujan was designated for assignment to create roster space for Short.

Jonathan Pintaro was optioned to Syracuse, clearing space for Kodai Senga’s return. Pintaro allowed two earned runs over 3 ²/₃ innings in his relief appearance Monday.

Read original at New York Post

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