PHILADELPHIA — Nolan McLean has pitched to superb numbers at Triple-A Syracuse, generating plenty of buzz this season as one of the Mets’ top-tier pitching prospects. 

And yet the right-hander was never seriously considered for Friday’s spot start against the Phillies in large part because team officials want him to improve against left-handed hitters. It’s a weakness that McLean can hide pitching in the International League, but probably not so much in the big leagues. 

The start instead went to Blade Tidwell, whose numbers at Syracuse have underwhelmed. Tidwell dodged plenty of traffic on this night but gave the Mets a chance, allowing two earned runs over 3 ²/₃ innings in the team’s 10-2 loss at Citizens Bank Park. 

“Compared to his last outing in St. Louis, a lot better,” manager Carlos Mendoza said.