QUEENS — A World Baseball Classic rematch will take center stage in Queens on Thursday as the Arizona Diamondbacks send Eduardo Rodríguez to the mound against the New York Mets and Nolan McLean.
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Apr 3, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez (57) during the fifth inning of the game against the Atlanta Braves at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Arianna Grainey-Imagn Images
Rodríguez and McLean previously faced each other before the regular season during the 2026 WBC championship, when Venezuela took on Team USA for tournament gold. Rodríguez, the veteran southpaw, shut down an All-Star USA lineup over 4.1 scoreless innings, allowing just one hit and one walk while striking out four.
McLean nearly matched that effort, pitching 4.2 innings while allowing two earned runs and striking out four against Venezuela. Neither pitcher factored into the decision after Bryce Harper hit a game-tying two-run home run in the eighth inning, erasing the outcome for both starters.
However, the Diamondbacks have already seen Rodríguez’s WBC form carry into the regular season.
Mar 17, 2026; Miami, FL, United States; United States pitcher Nolan McLean (26) throws pitch against Venezuela in the second inning during the 2026 World Baseball Classic Championship game at loanDepot Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Through his first two starts — against the Los Angeles Dodgers and Atlanta Braves — Rodríguez has yet to allow an earned run across 12 innings. His seven-inning outing against Atlanta stands as one of the longest by an Arizona starter so far this season, highlighting his early efficiency and command.
After two inconsistent seasons in Arizona, including an ERA above 5.00, Rodríguez appears to be turning a corner in 2026. Against a Mets lineup known for its power, he will once again be tasked with neutralizing a dangerous offense.
E-Rod and the E stands for Efficient 🔥 pic.twitter.com/SAfu9Mt5aK
— Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) March 18, 2026
On the other side, McLean has continued to show promise early in his major league career. The right-hander owns a 2.61 ERA through 10.1 innings with 12 strikeouts, flashing swing-and-miss ability with a fastball that can reach the upper 90s.
The D-Backs will look to lean on Rodríguez’s efficiency, generate early offense and avoid allowing a young arm like McLean to settle in. If the Snakes can dictate the pace, this WBC rematch could once again favor Rodríguez.
Mar 29, 2026; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Nolan McLean (26) pitches against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the first inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Arizona and New York face off Thursday at 4:10 p.m.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
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