New York Mets right-hander Christian Scott is slated to undergo elbow surgery next week, an operation that will address his ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) and install an internal brace, the team announced. This development means Scott will be sidelined for the entirety of the 2024 and 2025 seasons, dealing a blow to the Mets’ pitching roster.
A Season Cut Short
Scott's troubles began when he was placed on the injured list on July 23, just two days after issues with his UCL became apparent. The team initially described his injury as a UCL strain. Unfortunately, these elbow problems are not new for Scott; his elbow issues date back to the previous season. The right-hander missed over two weeks late last year for similar reasons.
Despite his abbreviated 2023 campaign, Scott managed to compile nine big-league starts. Through these outings, he posted a 4.56 ERA and boasted a 3.25 strikeout-to-walk ratio. His absence is felt all the more keenly given that his season was cut short prematurely, an unwelcome echo of his past issues.
Managerial Caution
Mets manager Carlos Mendoza has emphasized a cautious, measured approach in dealing with 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 commented. "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."
Rotation Woes
Scott's season-ending surgery comes at an inconvenient time for the Mets, who are also missing other key starters from their rotation. Kodai Senga and Paul Blackburn are notably absent, the latter recently shut down due to a spinal fluid leak in his back. These injuries have left significant gaps in the team's starting lineup, complicating their playoff aspirations.
Playoff Push
Despite these setbacks, the Mets are still in the thick of the playoff race. With an 83-68 record heading into Wednesday, 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 nearest team outside the playoff bracket.
The upcoming three-game series in Atlanta will be crucial in determining the Mets' playoff destiny. This series is rife with playoff implications and could define their postseason path. Nevertheless, the team remains focused on the task at hand, determined to press on despite the injuries that have plagued their lineup.
As the Mets continue their push towards the playoffs, they'll have to do so without Scott, whose recovery from elbow surgery will be closely monitored in the months to come.