Shoulder discomfort forces NY Mets player out of the WBC

Getting through spring training is tough enough. Throw in a tournament where more than warming up is at stake and you’re bound to see some guys push through pain. One New York Mets player won’t be among those ready to push things to the limit.

It didn’t come as part of a celebration on the mound after a win like with Edwin Diaz in 2023. Robert Stock is the player who’ll bow out of the WBC due to shoulder discomfort.

Easily the most fascinating person the Mets signed this offseason for more unique reasons than his ability to play baseball, the 36-year-old represents the worst fear of every Mets fan. Stock pitched 3 scoreless innings against the Miami Marlins earlier this week while representing Team Israel.

The WBC is underway, hold your breath Mets fans

Any absence from Stock won’t affect the Mets greatly. He’s good depth they’d probably never use much beyond working as a longman out of the bullpen or opener with the capacity to go 3+ innings.

Still, it’s a blow for the player personally who might be retired by the time the WBC returns. Stock is still trying to establish himself as a major league capable arm. Other than 2 games for the Boston Red Sox last year, you have to go back to 2021 when he last pitched in the majors. Some time in the Independent League and in other countries is how he managed to become a more desirable arm.

As far as Team Israel goes, Stock probably wanted some redemption. He pitched for them in 2023 and took a loss in one of his two games. This was before a reinvention in Mexico during the 2024 season which saw him pitch to a 1.60 ERA as a starter across 84.1 innings.

The Mets have been relatively healthy this spring with the only real question having to do with Francisco Lindor. Everything indicates he will be available on Opening Day.

Because of the Diaz injury in 2023, we all have a little extra incentive to root against Mets players’ teams going far. At the very least, we’re hoping for quick one-two-three innings out of Nolan McLean.