New York Mets right-hander Christian Scott is slated to undergo elbow surgery next week, a procedure that will address his ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) and install an internal brace. This decision spells a lengthy recovery period for Scott, sidelining him through the entirety of the 2025 season.
Scott's challenges with his elbow are not recent. The pitcher has been absent since July 21 and was officially placed on the injured list on July 23, diagnosed with a UCL strain. This echoes similar issues from last season when Scott missed more than two weeks late in the campaign due to elbow problems.
In the 2023 season, Scott made nine starts, compiling a 4.56 ERA and a 3.25 strikeout-to-walk ratio before his injury put a premature end to his season. Mets manager Carlos Mendoza has emphasized a cautious approach regarding Scott's injury, stating, "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. 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."
The absence of Scott adds to the Mets' pitching woes. Key starters Kodai Senga and Paul Blackburn are also missing from the rotation, with Blackburn recently sidelined due to a spinal fluid leak in his back. Despite these setbacks, the Mets have managed to maintain a strong record of 83-68, entering Wednesday tied for the league's second wild-card spot alongside the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Currently, the Mets hold a two-game lead over the Atlanta Braves, the first team outside the playoff bracket. The upcoming three-game series in Atlanta next week could prove crucial, with significant playoff implications hanging in the balance.
As the team gears up for this vital stretch, the focus remains on the immediate task at hand. The Mets' resilience in the face of adversity, combined with careful management of their injured players, will be pivotal as the season progresses.