Mets' Nolan McLean puts finishing touches on excellent rookie campaign: 'Proud of him'

Green mentioned the right-hander throwing strikes consistently and limiting his walks, but was quick to say, "and that's not by diminishing stuff, it's by using the stuff you have and understanding how to get ahead and to finish."

It was one of the many times this season that Green spoke about his young players in a way that seemed to challenge them – even when they've played great – because he knows they're capable of more.

Shortly thereafter, McLean took the mound and, heeding his manager's advice, looked amazing through four perfect innings. Things went awry for the rookie in the fifth inning, however, when the Rangers tagged him for two runs after McLean allowed three hits and a walk in the inning.