Christian Scott Set for Elbow Surgery, to Miss 2025 Season
New York Mets right-hander Christian Scott is preparing for elbow surgery next week, a procedure that addresses his ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) and will include the installation of an internal brace. This surgery is expected to keep Scott sidelined through the 2025 season.
Scott has not pitched since July 21, having been officially placed on the injured list two days later with what the team initially described as a UCL strain. The 24-year-old pitcher’s elbow issues, however, are not new; they date back to last season when he missed over two weeks late in the campaign due to similar problems.
The young right-hander had nine starts this season before his injury prematurely ended his 2023 campaign. In those outings, Scott compiled a 4.56 ERA along with a strong 3.25 strikeout-to-walk ratio, showing promise despite the setbacks. Mets manager Carlos Mendoza has emphasized a cautious approach regarding Scott's injury and recovery process. "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," Mendoza stated. "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."
Scott's absence adds to the Mets' pitching woes, with key starters Kodai Senga and Paul Blackburn also currently missing from the rotation. Blackburn was recently shut down due to a spinal fluid leak in his back, further thinning out the team's depth in the pitching department.
As the Mets continue to grapple with these injuries, they face a crucial period with significant playoff implications. The team holds an 83-68 record entering Wednesday and is tied for the league's second wild-card spot alongside the Arizona Diamondbacks. The Mets also have a two-game lead over the Atlanta Braves, the first team outside the playoff bracket, and are set to travel to Atlanta next week for a pivotal three-game series that could significantly influence their postseason trajectory.
Despite these challenges, the Mets remain focused on their remaining games as they strive to secure a playoff position. The resilience of the team will be tested as they navigate the remainder of the season without several key pitchers, including Scott, who will now turn his focus to recovery and the long road back to the mound.