Christian Scott is back. The New York Mets reinstated the right-hander from the 15-day injured list Saturday, just in time for their series against the Philadelphia Phillies. Scott had been sidelined with a right hip impingement since early June. Before that, he was one of the few bright spots in a season that’s gone sideways fast.
The 27-year-old owned a 3.10 ERA across 12 starts before the injury. For a team that’s been searching for consistency from its pitching staff, that kind of production matters. Especially now, with David Peterson traded and multiple arms banged up or unavailable. Scott gives interim manager Andy Green another option to evaluate as the Mets try to piece together reliable innings.
To make room on the active roster, the Mets optioned lefty Zach Thornton to Triple-A Syracuse. That decision says more about roster math than Thornton’s performance. He threw six innings of one-run ball Friday night in a 2-1 loss to the Phillies. But since he worked deep into that game, he wouldn’t have been available to pitch again right away. Scott was ready to go. So Thornton heads down, even after arguably his best outing of the year.
The Mets announced the moves on X ahead of Saturday’s game. It’s a small procedural update, but it carries weight for a team that entered the day at 34-48, dead last in the NL East. This has been a brutal week. Carlos Mendoza was fired Friday. The clubhouse is unsettled. The rotation is thin. Scott’s return isn’t a cure-all, but it’s something.
This is a pitcher the Mets believed in coming into the season. He’s young, he has upside, and he throws strikes. That alone makes him a welcome addition to a staff that’s been struggling to find rhythm. New York has been searching for cleaner outings and steadier innings all year. Scott was delivering those before the hip issue slowed him down.
There’s no guarantee he picks up right where he left off. Hip impingements can linger, and it’s fair to wonder if the injury will affect his command or velocity early on. But for a team that’s had almost nothing go right, this counts as a positive development. The Mets are trying to stop another slide before it spirals. Scott’s return at least gives them a fighter’s chance against a Phillies team that’s been one of the best in the league.
Green will likely lean on him for length Saturday afternoon. The Mets need it. Their bullpen is taxed, and their rotation has been a revolving door all season. If Scott can eat innings and keep the score close, that’s a win. For now, that’s about all this team can ask for.
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