Mets pitcher Nolan McLean speaks up on issues after brutal start vs. Reds

The New York Mets endured another difficult outing Monday afternoon as Nolan McLean struggled during the club’s 7-2 loss vs. the Cincinnati Reds at Citi Field.

The rookie right-hander lasted just 3 1/3 innings while continuing a rough stretch that has quickly raised concerns about the Mets’ rotation struggles.

McLean allowed seven runs on five hits while walking two batters, hitting two more, and throwing a wild pitch in the shortest big league start of his career.

The Mets also dropped to 22-32 after another frustrating home performance, adding more pressure to a rotation trying to regain consistency.

The recent downturn has changed the outlook surrounding McLean’s season. Before his last two starts, he carried a 2.92 ERA and looked steady.

However, McLean has now allowed 13 earned runs across his last two appearances while struggling with command, count leverage, and execution.

SNY TV took to X, formerly Twitter, sharing McLean’s honest assessment after the loss at Citi Field.

“Combination of things. Getting behind in counts, not landing my off-speed pitches like I should, and I’ve been hitting guys with two strikes too which isn’t a great recipe for success”

Nolan McLean on the issues in his past two starts:

"Combination of things. Getting behind in counts, not landing my off-speed pitches like I should, and I've been hitting guys with two strikes too which isn't a great recipe for success" pic.twitter.com/yimaJ7fl6R

— SNY (@SNYtv) May 25, 2026

McLean’s comments stood out because he openly pointed to the exact problems hurting him on the mound during this difficult two-start stretch.

The rookie did not blame bad luck or defensive mistakes. Instead, he acknowledged falling behind hitters and failing to finish at bats cleanly.

The Reds capitalized throughout the afternoon. JJ Bleday homered in the third inning before the Reds added four more runs during the fourth.

That rally included a Spencer Steer two-run single and a Tyler Stephenson two-run homer, which helped widen the lead.

The difficult outing pushed the right-hander’s ERA on the season to 4.40 after another damaging start, giving the Mets another rotation issue to monitor.

For New York, the next step is clear. McLean must attack counts earlier and regain feel for his secondary pitches.

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