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.

New York Mets’ color commentator Ron Darling made a glowing comparison after Nolan McLean’s first big league 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.

The Atlanta Braves are set to take on the New York Mets in a three-game set beginning tonight at Truist Park. It’s a sneaky critical matchup because — if there’s any chance the Braves are to make the postseason — they have to sweep the Mets this weekend.