Mets' Christian Scott to Undergo Elbow Surgery, Out Until 2025 Season
New York Mets' right-handed pitcher Christian Scott is scheduled to undergo elbow surgery next week in a bid to address ongoing issues with his ulnar collateral ligament (UCL). This procedure will include the installation of an internal brace, effectively sidelining Scott through the 2025 season.
Scott has been absent from the mound since July 21, and the Mets officially placed him on the injured list on July 23, citing a UCL strain. This injury has deep roots, tracing back to last season when Scott missed over two weeks due to similar elbow troubles. Despite these challenges, Scott has made nine big-league starts this season, where he amassed a 4.56 ERA and a 3.25 strikeout-to-walk ratio before his unfortunate exit.
A Season Cut Short
The abrupt end to Scott's 2023 season has cast a shadow over the Mets' rotation, which has already been dealing with significant absences. Key starters like Kodai Senga and Paul Blackburn have also been missing from the lineup. Blackburn was recently shut down due to a spinal fluid leak in his back, adding to the team's woes.
The Mets' manager, Carlos Mendoza, emphasized 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, underscoring the uncertainty and the need for careful evaluation.
Playoff Hopes on the Line
Despite these setbacks, the Mets have remained competitive. Holding an 83-68 record as they entered Wednesday, the team is tied for the league's second wild-card spot alongside the Arizona Diamondbacks. They’ve managed a two-game lead over the Atlanta Braves, who are the first team outside the playoff bracket.
The Mets are gearing up for a crucial three-game series in Atlanta next week, a series that could hold significant playoff implications. The outcomes of these games could very well determine the Mets' postseason fate. Despite the rash of injuries, the team remains focused on their remaining games, determined to keep their playoff hopes alive.
Scott's absence is sure to be felt, especially given his rocky start to the season and his potential to strengthen the rotation. However, with the team's playoff berth hanging in the balance, every game from here on out will be critical.
As Christian Scott prepares for surgery and a lengthy recovery, the Mets will need to dig deep and rely on their remaining roster to push through to the playoffs. The road ahead is challenging, but the team’s resilience in the face of adversity will be crucial in the coming weeks.