Mets' Scott Undergoes Surgery, Out Through 2025
New York Mets' right-hander Christian Scott is scheduled to undergo elbow surgery next week, a procedure that will sideline him until the conclusion of the 2025 season. This surgery, which will address Scott's ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) and include the installation of an internal brace, marks a significant setback for both the player and the team.
Scott has been absent from the field since July 21, officially landing on the injured list two days later. The Mets initially described his condition as a UCL strain, a diagnosis that pointed to deeper, long-standing issues. Scott's elbow troubles date to last season when he missed over two weeks towards the latter part of the campaign.
This season, before his injury, Scott managed nine starts with a 4.56 ERA and an impressive 3.25 strikeout-to-walk ratio. His performance showed promise, but the premature end to his 2023 season has left a noticeable gap in the Mets' rotation. Manager Carlos Mendoza emphasized a cautious approach regarding Scott’s injury, reflecting on the seriousness of the situation. "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," said Mendoza.
The Mets' rotation woes don't end with Scott. Key starters Kodai Senga and Paul Blackburn are also missing. Blackburn was recently shut down due to a spinal fluid leak in his back, adding to the team’s mounting injury concerns. Despite these challenges, the Mets, with an 83-68 record entering Wednesday, remain in a competitive position. They are tied for the league's second wild-card spot alongside the Arizona Diamondbacks and hold a two-game lead over the Atlanta Braves, the first team outside the playoff bracket.
Next week's three-game series in Atlanta will be critical. The outcomes could significantly impact the Mets' playoff aspirations, underscoring the importance of every remaining game. The Mets are focusing on their upcoming games and remaining optimistic despite the injuries plaguing their lineup.
Scott’s journey through this injury and subsequent surgery is a reminder of the physical toll baseball exerts on its players. While Scott's absence from the mound will be felt immediately, the long-term health and potential recovery offer a glimmer of hope for his return in the future. For now, the Mets will need to adapt and push forward, leveraging the depth of their roster to navigate these challenges.