New York Mets right-hander Christian Scott is facing a significant setback as he prepares to undergo elbow surgery next week. The procedure will address his ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) and involve the installation of an internal brace, an approach aimed at stabilizing the joint and facilitating a more stable recovery.
However, this surgery comes with a heavy price: Scott will be sidelined through the 2025 season. The pitcher has been absent from the lineup since July 21, and two days later, the Mets officially placed him on the injured list, describing his condition as a UCL strain. Scott’s elbow troubles are not new, as they date back to last season when he missed over two weeks late in the campaign due to similar issues.
Scott's Season in Numbers
Before his injury, Scott had made nine big-league starts this season, posting a 4.56 ERA along with a commendable 3.25 strikeout-to-walk ratio. While these numbers hint at potential, Scott's 2023 season has come to a premature end, dashing hopes of further contributions this year and next.
Mets manager Carlos Mendoza has emphasised a cautious approach concerning Scott's injury. "It's too early to tell. I'm not going to sit here and speculate when we don't have all the facts and all the information,” Mendoza stated. “We've got to wait till the doctors and all the people that have to read the MRI and all that, and then we'll make that decision."
Wider Rotation Issues
Scott's absence adds to the Mets' rotation issues, as key starters Kodai Senga and Paul Blackburn are also missing. Blackburn was recently shut down due to a spinal fluid leak in his back, further depleting the team's pitching options during a critical phase of the season.
Playoff Push Amid Injuries
The Mets, currently holding an 83-68 record, are in a vital stretch as they approach the final weeks of the regular season. They are tied for the league's second wild-card spot alongside the Arizona Diamondbacks, and hold a two-game lead over the Atlanta Braves, the first team outside the playoff bracket.
Next week, the Mets head to Atlanta for a crucial three-game series that could have significant playoff implications. Despite the injuries to their pitching staff, the team continues to focus on their remaining games, aiming to secure a postseason berth.
As Scott prepares for surgery and the long road to recovery, the Mets will need to rely on their depth and resilience to navigate the remaining challenges of the season. The next few weeks will be telling, both for Scott's future and the team's immediate fortunes.