Nolan McLean is set to rejoin Team USA for the March 10 pool game and could start the March 17 final if healthy. Betting impact: markets may shorten on McLean as a starter — punters should wait for medical confirmation or consider hedging early wagers on other U.S. starters to avoid late scratches affecting odds.
McLean cleared to rejoin Team USA after brief illness
Nolan McLean (Mets) has recovered from a brief bout of vertigo-like symptoms and will rejoin Team USA in Houston to start the March 10 pool game against Italy. Manager Mark De Rosa said McLean resumed his throwing program and is back on the original plan to be available for a March 17 final in Miami if the United States advances.
Health update and timeline
McLean reported feeling unwell late last week and missed the team's first workout in Arizona while he recovered. By Tuesday he showed enough improvement for the staff to keep him on the March 10 start against Italy, with the March 17 assignment penciled in should the U.S. reach the championship game.
How Team USA is shaping its pitching rotation
The roster schedule is being managed around MLB opening-day commitments. Giants ace Logan Webb is slated to start the MLB season opener on March 25 and will therefore handle the Pool Play opener against Brazil and a possible quarterfinal. Tarik Skubal is planned to make Team USA’s lone start the following day against Great Britain to align with his club calendar.
Rotation strategy and roster implications
The U.S. staff is balancing international starts with MLB season timelines, prioritizing workload management for frontline arms. McLean’s return preserves depth and gives the team a potential high-leverage option late in the tournament if he remains healthy.
Betting implications and how punters should react
McLean’s recovery reduces uncertainty around the U.S. rotation and could move market prices for starting props and futures.
Punters should wait for final medical confirmation before placing large bets on McLean to start the March 17 final.
Pirates' Paul Skenes Gets First Team USA Test
Consider hedging bets on alternate starters or targeting early value on other rotation arms while markets adjust.
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