New York Mets right-hander Christian Scott is set to undergo elbow surgery next week, a significant blow to the team's pitching rotation at a crucial juncture in the season.
Scott's Injury and Surgery
The surgery, aimed at addressing his ulnar collateral ligament (UCL), will involve the installation of an internal brace, a procedure that will sideline Scott through the 2025 season. Scott has not taken the mound since July 21, and he was officially placed on the injured list two days later with what was initially described as a UCL strain. Unfortunately for Scott and the Mets, this latest setback is part of an ongoing elbow issue that traces back to last season when he missed over two weeks of play.
Before his injury, Scott had made nine big-league starts this season, recording a 4.56 ERA and a commendable 3.25 strikeout-to-walk ratio. However, his 2023 season has now ended prematurely, a situation that Mets manager Carlos Mendoza is approaching with caution. “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, emphasizing the team's need for a measured response.
Impact on Mets' Rotation
Scott's loss adds to the Mets' rotation woes as pivotal starters Kodai Senga and Paul Blackburn are also unavailable. Blackburn, in particular, was recently shut down due to a spinal fluid leak in his back, further thinning the Mets' pitching depth. Despite these significant setbacks, the Mets have maintained an impressive 83-68 record heading into Wednesday's games. The team currently holds a tie for the league’s second wild-card spot alongside the Arizona Diamondbacks, maintaining a two-game lead over the Atlanta Braves, who are just outside the playoff bracket.
Crucial Games Ahead
The Mets are gearing up for an important three-game series in Atlanta next week. This series could be pivotal in shaping playoff fortunes given the tight race for the wild-card spots. Injuries have undeniably tested the Mets this season, but the team's focus remains on the games ahead as they strive to secure their place in the postseason.
As the Mets continue their push, Scott's prolonged absence will be keenly felt. His combination of experience and skill was an asset on the mound, and finding suitable replacements from within the squad or through other means will be essential for the team’s postseason aspirations. For now, the Mets will need to rely on the resilience and depth of their roster as they navigate these challenges in the critical closing weeks of the season.