Nolan McLean News: Set for MLB debut Saturday

The Mets are expected to call up McLean from Triple-A Syracuse to start Saturday's game against the Mariners, Andy Martino of SNY.tv reports.

With manager Carlos Mendoza permanently moving Frankie Montas to the bullpen, the Mets will need to break in a new fifth starter this weekend. Though veteran righty Paul Blackburn (shoulder) has been building up a starter during his rehab assignment and looks ready to come off the 15-day injured list, the Mets instead appear inclined to give the 24-year-old McLean his first look in the big leagues. The right-hander has made 21 appearances (18 starts) between Double-A Binghamton and Triple-A this season, registering a 2.45 ERA and 1.13 WHIP while racking up 127 punchouts over 113.2 innings. The Mets could get Tylor Megill (elbow) back from the injured list by the end of the month to challenge him for a rotation spot, but if McLean impresses in his initial taste of the majors, he could end up holding down a starting role for the rest of the season.