New York Mets right-hander Christian Scott faces an extended spell on the sidelines as he is set to undergo elbow surgery next week, addressing his ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) and installing an internal brace. This procedure will unfortunately rule him out through the 2025 season, a significant blow to both the player and the team.
Scott, who has been absent since July 21, was officially placed on the injured list just two days later. The initial diagnosis from the Mets described his injury as a UCL strain, but Scott's elbow troubles aren’t new; they date back to the previous season where he missed over two weeks late in the campaign due to similar issues.
Despite such physical setbacks, Christian Scott had managed to make nine big-league starts this season, during which he compiled a 4.56 ERA and achieved a 3.25 strikeout-to-walk ratio. However, the recurrence of elbow issues has prematurely ended his 2023 season, leaving a significant gap in the Mets' pitching rotation.
Manager's Perspective
Mets manager Carlos Mendoza, emphasizing a cautious approach regarding Scott's injury, stated, "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."
This careful sentiment mirrors the broader situation the Mets face with their pitching staff. Key starters Kodai Senga and Paul Blackburn are also on the injured list. Blackburn, in particular, was recently shut down due to a spinal fluid leak in his back, further depleting the Mets' rotation.
Playoff Implications
Despite these injuries, the Mets have managed to maintain an 83-68 record heading into Wednesday, tying for the league's second wild-card spot alongside the Arizona Diamondbacks. They hold a slim two-game lead over the Atlanta Braves, the first team outside the playoff bracket. Intriguingly, the Mets are set to travel to Atlanta next week for a pivotal three-game series, which could have significant playoff implications.
While these absences undoubtedly present challenges, the Mets continue to focus on their remaining games. Players and management alike understand that, given the tight race for playoff berths, every game in the closing stretch holds paramount importance
As the team grapples with these hurdles, the hope remains that their depth can withstand the strain, keeping their postseason aspirations alive amid mounting adversities. Whether the Mets can make the playoffs while managing significant injuries to key players, only time will tell.