ARLINGTON -- Christian Scott’s season officially came to a close on Tuesday, but not before the right-hander created a foundation for future growth -- likely as a long-term member of the Mets’ rotation.
The Mets placed Scott on the 15-day injured list due to left knee inflammation. Though it’s not a serious injury, the scant amount of time left in the season, combined with the Mets’ position in the standings, made the IL an easy call.
“It’s not right to push through anything at this stage of the season,” manager Andy Green said.
In a corresponding move, the Mets activated closer Devin Williams from the IL.
Scott’s injury occurred when he slipped on the mound throwing a warm-up pitch during his last start Saturday against the Phillies. In Scott’s final inning, his velocity dipped from the mid- to lower 90s, playing into Green’s decision to remove him after only 4 2/3 innings. The right-hander plans to undergo an MRI next week, but the issue is “nothing that we have long-term concerns about,” according to Green.
Scott ended his first season since 2024 Tommy John surgery with a 4-5 record and 3.85 ERA in 23 starts. He stands a strong chance of being in the Mets’ Opening Day rotation next season.
“The fastball is real,” Green said. “It beats really good hitters. … We saw the split-change get better. He still wants to put work in on that. We saw the cutter get better. That’s still going to continue to improve. He’s a relentless competitor, and someone we have a ton of faith in going forward. So I think we feel really good about the body of work this year. The trendline for him is really positive.”
“It’s a good one to build off of for sure,” added Scott.
Williams, 32, returned after going on the IL in early August due to right shoulder inflammation. The Mets plan to script his appearances down the stretch, including a scheduled one on Wednesday, which is why Green did not call upon him for a save situation in Tuesday's 6-3 win over the Rangers. The team only plans to use Williams twice over the season’s final six games.
Williams, who owns a 4.66 ERA, has two more seasons left on his three-year, $51 million contract. One of his setup men next year could be Kodai Senga, who has converted eight of his nine save chances in Williams’ stead, including Tuesday’s opportunity against the Rangers.
“I think long term, we know what role he will slide back into,” Green said of Williams. “But for these outings, I don’t think we’re overly concerned about that. We just want to get him back on the mound pitching again.”