Mets right-handed pitcher robert stock Stock told reporters this morning (including Jon Heyman of the New York Post) that he recommended surgery to correct thoracic outlet syndrome. Heyman added that Stock indicated he suffered from arterial TOS and could potentially pitch before the end of the year. Stock was in camp with the Mets on a non-squad invitation, but now faces an extended absence.
Stock, 36, has played parts of five MLB seasons to date. He was drafted in the second round by the Cardinals in 2009 and left a strong impression on the Padres in 2018, his first season as a big leaguer. He had a 2.50 ERA in 39.2 innings that year, but unfortunately struggled at the big league level after that. In just 35 2/3 major league frames since then, Stock has posted a 7.57 ERA with as many walks (31) as strikeouts (39). Stock did not appear in the major league from 2022 to 2024, but instead played in the KBO, minor leagues, and independent leagues in the United States and Mexico. In 2025, he returned to the Red Sox and his team. Although he made only two brief appearances in the major leagues, he pitched decently as a swingman, posting a 3.92 ERA in 85 innings for Triple-A Worcester.
This led to Stock signing a minor league contract with the Mets ahead of 2026, with the idea that he would be a versatile depth option for the club’s pitching staff heading into the year. He has pitched well so far this spring, including three strong innings against the Marlins while preparing to pitch for Team Israel in the World Baseball Classic. Unfortunately, that outing ended with him complaining of discomfort in his shoulder. That ultimately led to an MRI that revealed he had TOS. A specific type of TOS Stock is arterial TOS, which is the rarest form of the disorder. While baseball fans have become increasingly familiar with TOS in recent years, neurotic TOS, e.g. Stephen Strasberg and chris archer suffers from) and venous TOS, Phillies star jack wheeler He is currently working on his return after being sidelined due to this disability late last year.
Arterial TOS is much less common than the other two versions, and its effects on baseball players are much less widely known. A 2024 study published in the American Journal of Sports Medicine (NIH.gov link) that looked at all 52 athletes who underwent surgical treatment for TOS between 2010 and 2017 found that only one of the 52 athletes suffered from arterial TOS. According to an article by Anthony Castrovince on MLB.com last month, arterial TOS can cause a cold sensation in the hands or even finger gangrene. Castrovince’s article notes that a return-to-play timeline of between 9 and 10 months is common for pitchers who undergo surgery to correct TOS, but this can vary depending on the severity and form of TOS the player is facing. Stock’s hopes for his timeline are much more optimistic than that. Because even a September return will only be a six-month return.
Whether or not Stock can return to the mound this year, the Mets are pretty well prepared to deal with losing him as a depth piece. Justin Hagenmann, Christian Scottand Jonathan Pintaro The 40-man roster already contains all of the depth options for the rotation, and that’s before even considering top prospects. Jonah Tong. As for the bullpen, the Mets have plenty of non-roster invitees. Craig Kimbrel, adbert alzolayand Kevin Huggett Among them.
