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.

Nolan McLean pitched 5 1/3 scoreless innings to earn a victory in his major league debut as the New York Mets topped the visiting Seattle Mariners 3-1 on Saturday.

Rookie Nolan McLean delivered what the Mets needed in his MLB debut, striking out eight and flashing some clutch leather over 5⅓ scoreless innings in a 3-1 win over the Mariners.

WASHINGTON — Ask a New York Mets pitching coach about Nolan McLean, and eyes get wide.

MLB has seen many great pitchers since 1913. There have been multi-time Cy Young winners, All-Stars and standout rookies. Yet, McLean accomplished a feat that hasn't been seen before in the history of the sport.

Nevertheless, McLean instantly proved he belonged with 5 2/3 innings of shutout ball and eight strikeouts against a solid Mariners lineup. He made their hitters look foolish over and over again mostly with his sweeper and curveball.