Nolan McLean has started his MLB career brilliantly. In fact, it's hard to start much better than the New York Mets' rookie right-handed pitcher. Nobody in MLB history has begun a career quite like McLean has. The criteria that makes that true through his first two starts, via OptaStats: McLean was sharp on Friday night against the Atlanta Braves.

The first pitch was a ball. The second, Rodríguez lined toward McLean, who fielded the ball on one hop behind his back, and then had the presence of mind to throw to second for a chance at a double-play.

Nolan McLean was in trouble in his major league debut Saturday, but with the bases loaded, he made a highlight-reel play to erase the Mariners threat.

The Mets plan to promote McLean, the No. 37 prospect in baseball per MLB.com, for his major league debut on Saturday against the Mariners, manager Carlos Mendoza announced Wednesday. McLean is taking the rotation spot lost by struggling Frankie Montas in recent days.

The Mets' top pitching prospect tossed five scoreless innings against the Seattle Mariners in his first MLB start.

Nolan McLean (1-0, 0.00 ERA, 1.12 WHIP, eight strikeouts); Braves: Joey Wentz (4-3, 4.72 ERA, 1.38 WHIP, 59 strikeouts) BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Mets -111, Braves -108; over/under is 8 1/2 runs BOTTOM LINE: The Atlanta Braves open a three-game series at home against the New York Mets on Friday.