After reporting shoulder discomfort earlier in the week, New York Mets pitching hopeful Robert Stock is now expected to miss significant time.
On Sunday, Stock told reporters, including Jon Heyman of the New York Post, that doctors recommended surgery to treat Thoracic Outlet Syndrome.
The 36-year-old right-hander has the rare arterial form of the condition, which can cause cold sensations in the hand and, in severe cases, damage to the fingers.
Although recovery for pitchers typically takes nine to ten months, Stock said he hopes to return before the end of the season.
Stock joined the Mets this offseason on a minor league deal after spending 2025 in the Boston Red Sox organization. He arrived at camp as a non-roster invitee and later joined Israel national baseball team ahead of the World Baseball Classic.
Originally selected in the second round of the 2009 draft, Stock has posted a 4.90 ERA across 75.1 career MLB innings. Between 2022 and 2024 he did not pitch in the majors, instead playing in the minors, independent leagues in the United States and Mexico, and the KBO. In 2025, he allowed three earned runs in 2.2 MLB innings with Boston while recording a 3.92 ERA across 85 innings at Triple-A Worcester.
He had looked sharp in limited action this spring, throwing three scoreless innings for the Mets on Feb. 26 with six strikeouts. He also delivered three scoreless frames with three strikeouts during an exhibition game against the Miami Marlins, but reported shoulder discomfort afterward.
Arterial TOS is much rarer than other versions of the condition seen in baseball. Former Washington Nationals ace Stephen Strasburg previously dealt with neurogenic TOS, while Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Zack Wheeler was sidelined last year by venous TOS. Some pitchers—such as Merrill Kelly and Alex Cobb—have successfully returned after treatment, though others struggle to regain their previous form.
Even if Stock is sidelined for the season, the Mets still have several bullpen options available. Pitchers like Bryan Hudson, Craig Kimbrel, Huascar Brazobán, Joey Gerber, Justin Hagenman, Carl Edwards Jr., and Nick Burdi could help fill the gap, with some likely beginning the season at Triple-A Syracuse.
