Spring training already carries its share of risks for players trying to prepare for the regular season. Add the intensity of the World Baseball Classic, and the stakes can rise quickly.
For one New York Mets pitcher, the tournament has come to an early end.
Veteran right-hander Robert Stock has withdrawn from the World Baseball Classic after experiencing shoulder discomfort while pitching for Team Israel. The decision comes shortly after he delivered a strong outing in the tournament.
Stock threw three scoreless innings against the Miami Marlins earlier this week during WBC action, showing encouraging form. But the shoulder issue will prevent him from continuing in the competition.
Fortunately for the Mets, the situation is unlikely to have a major impact on their roster plans.
Stock was brought in as a depth option this offseason and is viewed primarily as a potential long reliever or spot starter capable of covering multiple innings if needed. While useful, he was not expected to play a major role on the pitching staff.
Still, the news carries a personal disappointment for the 36-year-old pitcher.
Stock is continuing his effort to reestablish himself in the major leagues after spending much of the past few seasons pitching outside MLB. Aside from two appearances with the Boston Red Sox last year, his most recent extended time in the majors came in 2021.
Since then, he has rebuilt his career through stints in independent leagues and international baseball.
His recent resurgence included an impressive run in Mexico during the 2024 season, when he transitioned to a starting role and posted a 1.60 ERA over 84.1 innings. That performance helped put him back on the radar for major league organizations.
The World Baseball Classic also represented a chance for redemption with Team Israel.
Stock previously appeared in the 2023 tournament but suffered a loss in one of his two outings. Returning this year gave him an opportunity to show how much his game had evolved since then.
Now, that opportunity has been cut short.
For Mets fans, any injury connected to the WBC naturally brings uneasy memories. The tournament has been viewed with caution in New York ever since closer Edwin Díaz suffered a season-ending injury during the 2023 event.
Fortunately, the Mets have remained relatively healthy during spring training this year. The only lingering concern has involved shortstop Francisco Lindor, though all indications suggest he will be ready for Opening Day.
Stock’s withdrawal from the tournament appears to be precautionary for now.
Still, it serves as another reminder of the balancing act players face this time of year — preparing for the long MLB season while representing their countries on one of baseball’s biggest international stages.
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