What began as minor shoulder discomfort for New York Mets pitcher Robert Stock has quickly turned into a far more serious medical issue.
The veteran right-hander revealed Sunday that doctors have recommended thoracic outlet syndrome surgery, a procedure that could sideline him for most of the 2026 season.
Stock shared the update with reporters, including Jon Heyman of the New York Post, confirming that he has been diagnosed with a rare version of the condition known as arterial thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS).
A rare and serious diagnosis
Thoracic outlet syndrome occurs when nerves or blood vessels are compressed between the collarbone and first rib. In Stock’s case, the artery itself is being compressed — a form of the condition that doctors sometimes describe as the more severe variation.
Arterial TOS can cause symptoms ranging from numbness and coldness in the hand to severe circulation issues.
For pitchers, it presents an especially complicated challenge because blood flow and arm strength are essential for maintaining velocity and command.
Recovery from TOS surgery typically takes nine to ten months, though Stock said a return late in the 2026 season remains a possibility.
Injury surfaced after strong WBC outing
The 36-year-old began experiencing discomfort after an impressive performance with Team Israel during the World Baseball Classic.
In an exhibition appearance against the Miami Marlins, Stock delivered three scoreless innings, allowing two hits while striking out three hitters and generating eight swinging strikes. His fastball reached 97.9 mph during the outing.
Shortly afterward, he reported the shoulder discomfort that led to further testing and ultimately the diagnosis.
Strong spring performance cut short
Before the injury surfaced, Stock had been making a strong case to earn a roster spot with the Mets.
He signed a minor league contract with New York during the offseason and arrived in camp as a non-roster invitee. In his first spring appearance on February 26, he struck out six batters over three scoreless innings, allowing only one hit.
The performances suggested he might be able to carve out a bullpen role with the club.
Instead, his comeback bid will now be paused indefinitely.
A winding professional journey
Stock’s path through professional baseball has been anything but conventional.
Originally a second-round draft pick in 2009, he has spent time across multiple leagues during his career. Between 2022 and 2024, he did not appear in the major leagues, pitching instead in the Korean Baseball Organization, independent leagues, and various minor league systems.
He returned briefly to MLB action in 2025 with the Boston Red Sox, where he allowed three earned runs across 2⅔ innings.
At the Triple-A level with Worcester, he provided valuable innings, posting a 3.92 ERA over 85 innings.
Uncertain outcomes after TOS surgery
Thoracic outlet syndrome has become increasingly familiar to baseball fans in recent years, though results following surgery can vary widely.
Former Nationals ace Stephen Strasburg saw his career derailed by neurogenic TOS, while Zack Wheeler missed time in 2025 due to venous TOS.
On the other hand, pitchers such as Merrill Kelly and Alex Cobb have successfully returned to high-level performance after undergoing the procedure.
Stock’s long-term outlook will depend largely on how his body responds to surgery and rehabilitation.
Mets bullpen depth offers flexibility
While Stock’s absence is disappointing, the Mets still have several relievers competing for bullpen roles as Opening Day approaches.
Names on the roster bubble include:
- Bryan Hudson
- Craig Kimbrel
- Huascar Brazobán
- Joey Gerber
- Justin Hagenman
- Carl Edwards Jr.
- Nick Burdi
Some of these pitchers could open the season in Triple-A Syracuse, providing depth if injuries arise later in the year.
For now, however, the focus shifts to Stock’s recovery.
After a long journey through multiple leagues and another promising spring opportunity, the veteran pitcher now faces the most difficult challenge of his career — finding a way back to the mound after a rare and serious medical setback.
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