Mets' Christian Scott to Undergo Elbow Surgery, Out Through 2025 Season
New York Mets right-hander Christian Scott is set to face a significant setback in his promising career as he will undergo elbow surgery next week. The procedure will address his ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) and will include the installation of an internal brace, sidelining him for the entirety of the 2024 and 2025 seasons.
Scott's issue with his elbow began this season, having been absent from the mound since July 21. Officially placed on the injured list on July 23, the team initially described his condition as a UCL strain. However, this problem is not entirely new for Scott. His elbow issues trace back to last season where he missed over two weeks late in the campaign due to similar discomfort.
In his 2023 season, Scott made nine big-league starts, achieving a 4.56 ERA and compiling a respectable 3.25 strikeout-to-walk ratio. Despite showing promise, his season came to an untimely end due to these recurring elbow problems. Mets manager Carlos Mendoza stressed a cautious approach in managing Scott's health, highlighting the importance of waiting for all medical evaluations before making 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 remarked.
The impact of Scott’s absence goes beyond just his starts. Key Mets starters Kodai Senga and Paul Blackburn are also currently missing from the rotation, adding further strain on the team’s pitching staff. Blackburn, in particular, has been shut down due to a spinal fluid leak in his back, further compounding the team's challenges.
Despite these significant injuries, the Mets have not lost their competitive edge. With an 83-68 record as of Wednesday, they find themselves tied for the league's second wild-card spot alongside the Arizona Diamondbacks. They also hold a two-game lead over the Atlanta Braves, who are the first team outside the playoff bracket.
The Mets are set to face the Braves in Atlanta next week for a crucial three-game series. This upcoming series could have substantial playoff implications, with both teams eyeing a spot in the postseason. The Mets, despite their injury woes, remain focused on their remaining games, determined to secure their place in the playoffs.
As the Mets navigate this challenging period, the team's resilience will be put to the test. Scott’s extended absence is undoubtedly a significant blow, but the Mets are prepared to continue their pursuit of glory with the talent and determination that has brought them this far. The road ahead is fraught with challenges, but the spirit within this team remains unbroken.