As the New York Mets await the return of Kodai Senga back into their starting rotation (Senga is expected to debut Friday night against the Atlanta Braves), the team lost one of their current starters to the injured list. Rookie pitcher Christian Scott was placed on the injured list with a UCL sprain, the Mets announced on Tuesday. Scott is 0-3 in his rookie campaign with a 4.56 ERA, 39 strikeouts, and a 1.204 WHIP in 9 starts. He’s allowed 24 earned runs, 12 walks, 8 home runs, and 45 hits.
Mets Place Rookie Starting Pitcher On The Injured List
RHP Christian Scott has been placed on the 15-day IL, retroactive to July 22, with a right UCL sprain.
— New York Mets (@Mets) July 23, 2024
LHP Alex Young has been recalled from Triple-A Syracuse.
Manager Carlos Mendoza spoke to the media before the Mets Tuesday game with the New York Yankees and he stated that Scott felt discomfort after his latest start against the Miami Marlins on Sunday. The team is waiting to see if it’s a sprain or a tear.
Carlos Mendoza says that Christian Scott complained of discomfort in his elbow after his start in Miami.
— SNY (@SNYtv) July 23, 2024
Mendoza says the Mets are still waiting for clarity on whether Scott has a sprain or a tear. pic.twitter.com/lJFz2DewMe
Tale Of Two Stints
Scott’s first year in the big leagues has seen his fair share of ups and downs. It’s even a tale of two call-ups. Scott was very impressive when he first got the call back in May. In his debut against the Tampa Bay Rays, Scott went 6 2/3 innings pitched with 6 strikeouts. In his first five starts, Scott had an ERA of 3.90 with 25 strikeouts as opponents slashed .233/.279/.369 against him. Opponent OPS was .648. Things looked promising for Scott until the Mets sent him back down to Triple-A due to an innings limit.
When New York called Scott back up, things changed drastically. Scott has an ERA of 5.49 in four starts since returning. He’s allowed 21 hits, 12 earned runs, and 6 walks with just 14 strikeouts in those starts. In contrast to his previous big league stint, opponents slashed .273/.333/.520. Opponents’ OPS also went up to .853.
What Went Wrong?
The home runs went up in his second run this year compared to his first. Before being sent back down, Scott gave up three home runs in five starts. After being called back up, Scott allowed five home runs in just four starts. His slider and sweeper were also ineffective the second time around, hanging over the middle of the plate too much. Scott’s injury is a setback for a promising rookie but needs the starts to learn. He also could’ve helped the Mets with youth in the rotation as they try for a playoff spot.
What Do The Mets Do In The Rotation?
As mentioned before, Senga is due to come back on Friday night. The question is, will the Mets stick with a five-man rotation or go with a six-man rotation? The only other option is calling up Tylor Megill, but he has struggled in the major leagues. The team could move José Buttó or Adrian Houser out of the bullpen and back into the rotation. However, they’ve been solid for a bullpen that needs it, especially in Butto’s case. For now, the Mets will have to find a way to manage their rotation without Scott.
Main Photo Credits: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports
