New York Mets' right-hander Christian Scott is facing a major setback in his professional career as he is scheduled to undergo elbow surgery next week. The surgery will address Scott's ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) by installing an internal brace, a procedure that will unfortunately sideline him through the 2025 season.
Scott has been conspicuously absent from the mound since July 21, with the Mets officially placing him on the injured list just two days later on July 23. The team initially described his injury as a UCL strain, an issue that has plagued Scott before. Last season, Scott missed over two weeks late in the campaign due to similar elbow issues.
Injury and Impact
The elbow troubles have abruptly ended a promising 2023 season for Scott, who managed to make nine big-league starts before his injury. During those starts, he compiled a 4.56 ERA and boasted a commendable 3.25 strikeout-to-walk ratio. Despite these solid numbers, the recurring nature of his elbow issues has become a significant concern for the Mets' management and medical team.
Mets manager Carlos Mendoza underscored a cautious approach regarding 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. 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,” Mendoza stated, reflecting the uncertainty and the meticulousness with which the team is handling Scott’s condition.
Challenges for the Mets
Scott's absence adds to the pitching woes for the Mets, as they are also missing key starters Kodai Senga and Paul Blackburn. Blackburn was recently shut down due to a spinal fluid leak in his back, further thinning the Mets' rotation as they push towards the end of the season.
Despite these significant setbacks, the Mets are pressing on. Entering Wednesday, they held an 83-68 record, tying for the league's second wild-card spot alongside the Arizona Diamondbacks. With a two-game lead over the Atlanta Braves, the first team outside the playoff bracket, every game is crucial for the Mets' postseason aspirations. They are set to travel to Atlanta next week for a pivotal three-game series, a matchup that could have substantial playoff implications.
With the playoffs in sight, the team’s resilience will be put to the test. The management's cautious approach to Scott's injury reflects a broader strategy prioritizing long-term player health over short-term gains. The team is clearly focused on making the most of their remaining games, despite the challenges posed by these injuries.
The Mets' ability to navigate these adversities and maintain their playoff positioning will undoubtedly be a storyline to watch as the season progresses. The coming weeks will determine whether the team's depth and determination can compensate for the loss of key players like Scott.