Mets rookie Christian Scott to miss 2025 season after surgery

Christian Scott, a rookie right-hander for the New York Mets, is set to undergo Tommy John surgery next week, which will sideline him for the entire 2025 season. This decision comes after Scott struggled with a sprained ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow, which has kept him off the mound since July 21. Despite hopes for a return this month, he faced difficulties in throwing off-speed pitches, prompting discussions with the medical staff about the best course of action. The surgery will be a hybrid version of the traditional procedure, incorporating both ligament replacement and an internal brace, and will be performed by Dr. Keith Meister. Scott had previously dealt with elbow issues, including a partially torn ligament last season, but had shown promise with a 2.57 ERA across three minor league affiliates, earning recognition as the Mets’ minor league pitcher of the year. In his major league debut in early May, Scott recorded a 4.56 ERA with 39 strikeouts over nine starts, finishing with a 0-3 record. Mets manager Carlos Mendoza acknowledged the setback but emphasized the potential for Scott to use this experience for future development. The team is currently in a playoff race, leading the Atlanta Braves for the last National League playoff spot, which adds pressure to their pitching staff. As Scott prepares for surgery, he remains optimistic about his recovery and aims to return stronger for the 2026 season. His situation highlights the challenges faced by athletes in managing injuries while striving for success in professional sports.