Robert Stock’s time in the World Baseball Classic was over before it began.
The New York Mets pitcher was pulled from the 12-day international tournament after being sidelined by Israel’s national team due to shoulder pain. Mets manager Carlos Mendoza told reporters Friday that Stock will undergo testing to determine the root cause of his discomfort.
more: Tigers’ Tarik Skubal reveals plans for WBC semifinals, finals
Stock, 36, is a veteran who has appeared in 57 major league games over five seasons, including with the San Diego Padres (2018-19), Boston Red Sox (2020, 2025), Chicago Cubs (2021), and Mets (2021). This makes him one of the few players on Israel’s WBC roster with MLB experience.
Stock pitched for Israel in the 2023 WBC, recording one save and taking a loss in his only start.
In 2025, he recorded 5 wins, 4 losses, and an ERA of 3.92 for the Triple-A Worcester Red Sox. He was released from his minor league contract with the Red Sox in August 2025, and signed a minor league contract with the Mets in November of last year.
Fortunately for Stock, the Israeli team was assigned to Pool D, playing at LoanDepot Park in Miami. He won’t have to go far to be examined by Mets staff at spring training camp in Port St. Lucie, Florida.
Unfortunately, my last chance to pitch in the WBC ended abruptly.
— Enjoy The Big Lead’s top news and popular stories for free. —
NFL: The 5 most overrated NFL free agents set to hit the market in 2026.
Major League: What medications did Jurickson Profar take? MLB announces use of PEDs
Sports Media: Stephen A. Smith accuses dominant NBA star of being a ‘food addict.’
Virus: NBC brought a ton of nostalgia with its ‘Throwback Tuesday’ NBA broadcast.
World Cup: Will Iran play in the 2026 World Cup? Donald Trump Weighs In
WNBA: Players, union leaders split, letter of claim from two-time MVP and four-time All-Star
