New York Mets right-hander Christian Scott is set for a significant setback, with elbow surgery scheduled for next week to address his ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) and install an internal brace. This procedure will unfortunately sideline him through the entire 2025 season.
Scott, who has been absent since July 21, was officially placed on the injured list two days later with what the team described as a UCL strain. This issue has plagued him since last season when he missed over two weeks late in the campaign due to similar elbow problems. This year, Scott had managed nine big-league starts, compiling a 4.56 ERA and a 3.25 strikeout-to-walk ratio before his injury prematurely ended his 2023 season.
Injury Troubles and Team Adjustments
Mets manager Carlos Mendoza emphasized a cautious approach regarding Scott’s condition, underscoring the need to gather all the necessary information before making definitive decisions. "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.
Scott's absence compounds the Mets' rotation woes as key starters Kodai Senga and Paul Blackburn are also missing from the lineup. Blackburn was recently shut down due to a spinal fluid leak in his back, further straining the Mets' pitching depth.
Playoff Race Intensifies
Despite these setbacks, the Mets continue to focus on their remaining games. Entering Wednesday, the team holds an 83-68 record, tied for the league's second wild-card spot alongside the Arizona Diamondbacks. Currently, they maintain a two-game lead over the Atlanta Braves, the first team outside the playoff bracket, indicating the high-stakes nature of the upcoming series.
Next week, the Mets will travel to Atlanta for a pivotal three-game series that could have significant playoff implications. As the team navigates these challenges, their performance in Atlanta will be scrutinized, given the importance of solidifying their playoff standing amidst roster difficulties.
In the face of adversity, the Mets are not just playing for wins but persevering through a season marked by resilience and the fight to keep their playoff hopes alive. The road ahead is challenging, but the team's commitment to pushing forward remains unwavering.