Robert Stock's comeback from thoracic outlet surgery has ended early after the Mets pitcher developed numbness in his fingers related to a circulation issue.
The New York Mets have shut down one of the more unlikely comeback stories of their season.
Right-hander Robert Stock was placed on the 15-day injured list Wednesday after developing numbness in the fingers of his pitching hand, ending his 2026 season with less than two weeks remaining.
The issue is related to the thoracic outlet syndrome surgery Stock underwent during spring training, according to MLB.com's Anthony DiComo.
Stock said he initially began experiencing weakness in his right wrist before the problem spread into his fingers during his recent starts. He said the issue involves circulation to his hand and that he was prescribed medication intended to address it.
The 36-year-old was scheduled to start Wednesday against the Baltimore Orioles but decided against taking the mound without knowing how his hand would respond.
"I have a medicine that is supposed to help the circulation," Stock told MLB.com.
Stock explained that with the Mets' bullpen having worked heavily in recent games, he didn't believe it was fair to the team to start without knowing whether the medication would work.
The setback ends a season that once appeared likely to be lost entirely.
Stock underwent thoracic outlet surgery during spring training after dealing with symptoms of the condition while preparing to pitch for Israel in the World Baseball Classic. He eventually began a minor-league rehab assignment in June before the Mets selected his contract from Triple-A Syracuse on Aug. 2.
He made his first major-league appearance since 2025 that day and ultimately pitched in eight games, including seven starts, for New York.
Stock finished 1-3 with a 5.93 ERA. His final appearance came Sept. 9 against the Miami Marlins, when he allowed three runs over four innings.
Despite the latest setback, Stock doesn't appear ready to consider ending his career.
He told reporters Wednesday that he believes he showed enough during his abbreviated stint with the Mets to remain in consideration for a major-league job next season. He also identified expanding his pitch mix and throwing more strikes among the areas he wants to improve.
Stock has taken an unusual route to this point.
He has pitched for the San Diego Padres, Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs, and Mets during his major-league career, along with stops in the minor leagues, independent baseball, Mexico, and South Korea.
And at 36, he apparently has no plans to make this his final comeback.
Stock told the New York Post that he hopes to continue pitching for roughly another two decades, citing longtime major-leaguer Jamie Moyer as an example of pitching well into his 40s.
The Mets recalled right-hander Xzavion Curry from Syracuse to replace Stock. Curry started Wednesday's 7-1 loss to Baltimore and allowed six runs in three innings.
New York also placed reliever Daniel Duarte on the injured list with a left hamstring strain and recalled left-hander Jefry Yan.
Stock's immediate concern, however, is determining whether the medication eliminates the numbness.
If it does, the end of his 2026 season may prove to be only another interruption in a career he has no intention of ending anytime soon.
