Mets right-hander Robert Stock has been recommended for surgery to correct thoracic outlet syndrome, Stock told reporters (including Jon Heyman of the New York Post) this morning. Heyman adds that Stock indicated he’s suffering from the arterial TOS, and that he could potentially pitch before the end of the year. Stock was in camp with the Mets on a non-roster invite but is now facing a lengthy absence.
Stock, 36, has appeared in parts of five MLB seasons to this point in his career. A second-round pick by the Cardinals back in 2009, he made a strong impression with the Padres in 2018, his first season as a big leaguer. He posted a 2.50 ERA in 39 2/3 innings of work that year, but unfortunately he’s struggled at the big league level since then. In just 35 2/3 major league frames since, Stock sports a 7.57 ERA with nearly as many walks (31) as strikeouts (39). Stock did not appear in the majors from 2022-2024, instead bouncing between the KBO, the minor leagues, and independent leagues in both the United States and Mexico. In 2025, he returned to affiliated ball with the Red Sox. While he made just two abbreviated appearance in the majors, he pitched decently at Triple-A Worcester with a 3.92 ERA in 85 innings as a swing man.
That led Stock to sign a minor league deal with the Mets headed into 2026, and he figured to be a versatile depth option for the club’s pitching staff headed into the year. He’s pitched well so far this spring, including a strong three-inning appearance against the Marlins while preparing to pitch for Team Israel in the World Baseball Classic. Unfortunately, that outing ended with him reporting discomfort in his shoulder. That led to the MRI which ultimately revealed he was suffering from TOS. The specific kind of TOS Stock is suffering from is arterial TOS, the rarest form of the disorder. While baseball fans have become increasingly familiar with TOS in recent years, they’re likely to be more familiar with neurogenic TOS (the form of the disorder that players such as Stephen Strasburg and Chris Archer suffered from) and venous TOS, which Phillies star Zack Wheeler is currently working his way back from after being sidelined late last year by the disorder.
Arterial TOS is far less common than the other two versions, and its impacts on baseball players are far less widely understood; a 2024 study published in the American journal of sports medicine (link via NIH.gov) that looked at all 52 players who underwent surgical treatment for TOS between 2010 and 2017 notes that just one of those 52 players was suffering from arterial TOS. An article from Anthony Castrovince of MLB.com last month notes that arterial TOS can cause a feeling of coldness in the hand or even finger gangrene. Castrovince’s article notes that a return to play timeline of between nine and ten months is typical for pitchers who undergo surgery to correct TOS, though that can depend on the severity and form of TOS the player is facing. Stock’s hopes for his timeline are significantly more optimistic than that, as even a September return would be a turnaround of just six months.
Whether Stock is able to make it back to the mound this year or not, the Mets are fairly well equipped to handle losing him as a depth piece. Justin Hagenman, Christian Scott, and Jonathan Pintaro are all depth options for the rotation already on the 40-man roster, and that’s before considering top prospect Jonah Tong. As for the bullpen, the Mets have a deep group of non-roster invitees headlined by Craig Kimbrel, Adbert Alzolay, and Kevin Herget among others.
Stock trending down
Sad to hear that. I’ve always rooted for him. 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
The best offense not named Dodger, but that pitching is completely suspect.
Too bad. He has a humorous wife.
“Perhaps that someone is watching, perhaps, it’s you.” Wait a second, I thought this article was about Robert Stack not Robert Stock, my bad. Carry on. 🤣
That’s just Untouchable.
I’m glad someone was able to crack this Unsolved Mystery.
These comments are approved by Captain Rex Kramer.
This guy was excellent as ATF Agent Flemming in ‘Beavis and Butt-Head Do America’.
Name an arm surgery this guy hasn’t had yet. And most more than once. The Cubs had him in the minors a few years ago and he spent more time in the operating theater than he did on the field. Time to be a salesman or something else.
Mike – Agreed. I can understand an established major leaguer like Hendriks not giving up, but not a 36-year-old who has pitched only 35 MLB innings since 2019.
He should buy a pub in Boston and run the bar.
LOL I mean at this point I think he would rather be able to go to a restaurant and not have his wife cut his meat for him when she does the kids. His arm must look like he stuck in a thrashing machine by now.
And with a 7.57 ERA since 2019 to boot
Targeted Muscle Reinnervation.
Mr. Deeds, surely you mean “Thoracic Outlet Syndrome Surgery Recommended for Robert Stock”. Make your high school English teacher proud.
Good thing he ramped up early to pitch for team Israel. He and the other 29 Americans on that team must really feel a sense of national pride. Is Assaf Lowengart the team captain? lol
Rob Manfred should pay for his surgery out of pocket.
Yeah, what’s up with all these guys playing for countries they have no affiliation with in this silly little tournament?
That really stinks for Stock. Trevor May has a really good YouTube video that breaks down the two forms of TOS and their different outlooks and treatments for anyone interested.
Does the club have any reason to pay for the surgery for a guy like this who is an NRI?
Depends on how the contract reads, or whether they want to take Stock in him or not.
Yes. It’s part of their contracts as the player is performing duties for the club. Workers’ comp and specific provisions cover injury treatment in the CBA.
Stick a fork in him. This is just rearranging the deck chairs. I wish him the absolute best but this reminds me of a pitcher with forearm tightness getting extended rest or PRP.