New York Mets right-hander Christian Scott is set to undergo elbow surgery next week, a procedure that spells the end of his 2023 season and will keep him sidelined through the 2025 campaign. The surgery will address his ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) and will involve the installation of an internal brace.
Scott's Elbow Troubles
Scott's elbow issues are not a new phenomenon, as his problems trace back to last season. He missed over two weeks late in the previous campaign due to similar elbow concerns. Despite returning to the mound this season, Scott's troubles resurfaced, forcing him to be absent since July 21. Officially placed on the injured list on July 23, the team described his condition as a UCL strain. In his nine big-league starts this season, Scott posted a 4.56 ERA and a 3.25 strikeout-to-walk ratio.
Mets manager Carlos Mendoza emphasized a cautious approach regarding Scott's injury, stating, "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."
Impact on the Rotation
Scott's injury is a significant blow to a Mets rotation that is already missing key starters Kodai Senga and Paul Blackburn. Blackburn was recently shut down due to a spinal fluid leak in his back, further depleting the team's pitching depth at a critical juncture in the season.
Mets' Playoff Push
Despite the setbacks, the Mets have managed to stay competitive. The team holds an 83-68 record entering Wednesday, tied for the league's second wild-card spot alongside the Arizona Diamondbacks. They maintain a two-game lead over the Atlanta Braves, the first team outside the playoff bracket.
The Mets will travel to Atlanta next week for a critical three-game series, a matchup that could have significant playoff implications. With the regular season winding down, the stakes are high, and the team is focused on their remaining games, injuries notwithstanding.
Carlos Mendoza and his staff are urging the team to persevere through these challenges. The hope is that other pitchers in the roster can step up to fill the void left by their injured starters. The Mets' resilience in the face of adversity will be paramount as they aim to secure their spot in the postseason.
As the Mets gear up for what promises to be a pivotal series in Atlanta, the team's ability to adapt and overcome will be tested. Their playoff aspirations hinge on navigating these final games successfully, even while their rotation remains shorthanded.