New York Mets right-hander Christian Scott is set to face a significant setback as he undergoes elbow surgery next week. The procedure aims to address his ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) and will involve the installation of an internal brace, effectively sidelining him through the 2025 season.
Scott's troubles can be traced back to last season when he missed over two weeks late in the campaign due to similar elbow issues. This year, he has been absent since July 21, officially placed on the injured list on July 23 with what the Mets described as a UCL strain. Despite his early exit, Scott managed to make nine big-league starts, recording a 4.56 ERA and achieving a 3.25 strikeout-to-walk ratio before his injury curtailed his efforts.
Scott’s Struggles and Surgery
Scott's premature end to the 2023 season is a tough pill to swallow for both him and the Mets. Mets manager Carlos Mendoza indicated a cautious approach regarding Scott’s injury, emphasizing the importance of thorough medical evaluation. "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.
The decision for Scott to undergo surgery reflects the team's recognition of the severity of his condition. With the installation of an internal brace in his elbow, the hope is that Scott can fully recover and return to his prior form, albeit not before the 2025 season.
Impact on the Mets
Scott's absence isn’t the only blow to the Mets' rotation. Key starters Kodai Senga and Paul Blackburn are also missing from the roster. Blackburn was recently shut down due to a spinal fluid leak in his back, further depleting the Mets' pitching arsenal at a pivotal time in the season.
Despite these significant injuries, the Mets have managed to maintain a solid 83-68 record, entering Wednesday tied 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, the Mets remain focused on their remaining games.
Playoff Push
The Mets face a crucial three-game series in Atlanta next week, a matchup that could have profound playoff implications. As they gear up for this critical series, the team will need to rally and perform despite the challenges posed by their depleted rotation.
Mets manager Carlos Mendoza and the coaching staff are likely emphasizing the "next man up" mentality, encouraging other pitchers to step up in the absence of Scott, Senga, and Blackburn. The team's resilience will undoubtedly be tested as they strive to secure a postseason spot.
While Christian Scott begins his long road to recovery, the Mets will continue to push forward, aiming to make a deep playoff run. Fans will be watching closely, hopeful that the team's perseverance will pay off despite the hurdles they face.
The upcoming series in Atlanta promises to be a defining moment for the Mets, and their performance in these high-stakes games will be crucial in determining their postseason fate. As Scott undergoes surgery and embarks on his rehabilitation journey, the Mets’ focus remains firmly on the present, their eyes set on clinching a playoff berth.