New York Mets pitcher Christian Scott will undergo elbow surgery next week to address a ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) issue. This procedure will involve the installation of an internal brace, effectively ending Scott's season and sidelining him through the entirety of the 2025 season.
Scott has been grappling with elbow issues since last season, including missing significant time late in the campaign. The current situation represents a continuation of these issues. Scott's latest elbow troubles began in earnest after his last appearance on July 21. He was officially placed on the injured list just two days later, classified as suffering from a UCL strain.
Impact on the Mets' Rotation
This injury is a significant blow to the Mets' rotation, particularly as Scott had made nine big-league starts this season, contributing a 4.56 ERA and a 3.25 strikeout-to-walk ratio. His absence compounds the team's pitching woes, with key starters Kodai Senga and Paul Blackburn already missing from the rotation. Blackburn’s own setback stems from a spinal fluid leak in his back.
Mets manager Carlos Mendoza has been cautious in his approach to Scott's diagnosis and treatment. "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," Mendoza remarked. "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."
Playoff Implications
The injury comes at a critical juncture for the Mets, who are currently fighting for a playoff spot. Entering Wednesday, the Mets hold an 83-68 record, tied for the league's second wild-card spot with the Arizona Diamondbacks. They maintain a two-game lead over the Atlanta Braves, the first team outside the playoff bracket. The stakes will be particularly high when the Mets travel to Atlanta next week for a pivotal three-game series, a matchup likely to have significant playoff implications.
Despite the injuries, the Mets remain focused on their remaining games. The team's resolve will be tested as they navigate the remainder of the season without some of their key starters.
Scott’s season-ending surgery underscores the challenges faced by the Mets in maintaining a competitive rotation while contending with significant injuries. Such trials will demand every bit of the depth and adaptability that the team can muster in their pursuit of a postseason berth.