Elbow Surgery Sidelines Mets' Christian Scott Until 2025
New York Mets right-hander Christian Scott is set to undergo elbow surgery next week, a procedure that will address his ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) and involve the installation of an internal brace. This surgery will keep Scott off the mound and on the sidelines through the 2025 season.
Scott’s Prolonged Absence
Scott has not pitched since July 21, a few days before the Mets officially placed him on the injured list on July 23. The injury was initially described by the team as a UCL strain, marking a grim continuation of elbow issues that date back to last season. Scott missed more than two weeks late in the previous campaign due to similar elbow troubles.
Prior to his injury, Scott had made nine big-league starts this season, compiling a 4.56 ERA and an impressive 3.25 strikeout-to-walk ratio. However, these numbers will be his final tally for 2023, as his season has ended prematurely due to the necessity of surgery.
A Cautious Approach
Mets manager Carlos Mendoza has emphasized the need for caution in dealing with Scott's injury. "It's too early to tell," Mendoza remarked when discussing the timeline and potential outcomes of Scott's recovery. "I'm not going to sit here and speculate when we don't have all the facts and all the information. 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."
Scott’s absence is a notable hit for the Mets, who are already grappling with a depleted rotation. Key starters Kodai Senga and Paul Blackburn are also missing from the lineup, adding to the team's challenges. Blackburn was recently shut down due to a spinal fluid leak in his back, further complicating the Mets' pitching situation.
Playoff Implications
Despite these injuries, the Mets are still very much in the playoff hunt. Entering Wednesday, they hold an 83-68 record and are tied for the league’s second wild-card spot alongside the Arizona Diamondbacks. They maintain a two-game lead over the Atlanta Braves, the first team on the outside of the playoff bracket looking in.
The upcoming series in Atlanta looms large, as it could have significant playoff implications for the Mets. They will travel to Atlanta next week for a three-game set that could prove crucial in their quest to secure a postseason berth.
In the face of these setbacks, the Mets continue to focus on their remaining games. Their resilience will be tested as they navigate through the remainder of the regular season without some of their key pitchers. The team's ability to adapt and perform under pressure will be critical as they aim to solidify their playoff position.