NEW YORK (AP) — Mets rookie Christian Scott has begun a throwing program with hopes of rejoining the team’s lineup this season, following a sprained ligament in his pitching elbow that sidelined him.
The Mets‘ top pitching prospect threw 35 pitches from 75 feet on Tuesday, following an earlier session of 25 pitches from 60 feet on Sunday.
Scott, who is 0-3 with a 4.56 ERA in nine major league starts since his debut on May 4, was placed on the injured list on July 22 due to a right elbow ulnar collateral ligament sprain. The 25-year-old is optimistic about returning this season.
“It’s really exciting to see this team making a push for the playoffs,” Scott said on Tuesday. “I hope I can be a part of that.”
Mets manager Carlos Mendoza noted that Scott still has several milestones to reach but is hopeful for his return later in the season.
“It’s encouraging that he’s throwing again,” Mendoza said. “We need to monitor his progress and hope he’ll be part of the team toward the end of the year.”
As of Tuesday’s series opener against Oakland, New York is 61-57, trailing Atlanta by one game in the National League wild-card race.
Scott’s injury, along with Kodai Senga’s left calf strain sustained on July 26 and the emergence of José Buttó as a reliable late-inning reliever has strained the Mets’ rotation depth. The most experienced starters at Triple-A Syracuse, Joey Lucchesi, and Tylor Megill, have a combined 2-6 record with a 5.61 ERA in the majors this season.
