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2w ago

Mets’ Nolan McLean Says Chest Pat Was for Catcher, Not Byron Buxton

The clarification challenges Ron Darling’s on-air claim that the gesture tipped an outside pitch.

An image collage containing 3 images, Image 1 shows A baseball player in a black Mets uniform with the number 26 and a New York-Presbyterian patch on his sleeve, stands with his hand over his heart, Image 2 shows Minnesota Twins center fielder Byron Buxton (25) hitting a two-run home run, Image 3 shows Two men wearing headsets sit at a desk in a broadcast studio in front of an SNY logo and Mets imagery
An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows New York Mets pitcher Nolan McLean (26) slams his rosin bag to the ground as Minnesota Twins center fielder Byron Buxton (25) rounds the bases on his 2-run home run during the sixth inning when the New York Mets played the Minnesota Twins Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Citi Field in Queens, NY, Image 2 shows A baseball player in a black Mets uniform with the number 26 and a New York-Presbyterian patch on his sleeve, stands with his hand over his heart
Apr 14, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; New York Mets pitcher Nolan McLean (26) throws a pitch against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the first inning at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Overview

  • Nolan McLean, who carried a perfect game into the sixth Tuesday, threw a tight inside pitch to Byron Buxton, patted his chest, then gave up a two-run homer on a 90 mph cutter.
  • SNY analyst Ron Darling said the chest pat told Buxton the next pitch would not come inside, arguing the hitter leaned out expecting something away.
  • On Wednesday, SNY’s Steve Gelbs reported McLean said the gesture was an apology to catcher Francisco Alvarez for missing a backdoor sinker target by about five to seven feet.
  • McLean struck out 10 over 6 2/3 innings and took a no-decision, and the Mets’ 5-3 defeat reached 12 straight losses after reliever Devin Williams gave up runs in the ninth.
  • Buxton’s blast was his fourth of the season, and McLean called it a great swing while noting he might choose a different pitch next time as New York looks to halt its skid.