The New York Mets may have a reason to worry about the health of one of their relief pitchers after he was forced to withdraw from international competition due to a shoulder issue. The situation arose while he was preparing to represent Israel in the upcoming World Baseball Classic, a tournament that brings together players from across Major League Baseball and professional leagues around the world. Unfortunately, the injury has now ruled him out of the event before it even officially begins.
The pitcher in question is reliever Robert Stock, who had been expected to participate for Team Israel during the global tournament. However, reports indicate that he began experiencing discomfort in his shoulder after pitching in a practice or exhibition game. Because of that development, he has left the Israeli national team’s training camp and will not take part in the World Baseball Classic.
For the Mets organization, the news could be concerning. The World Baseball Classic often takes place before the MLB regular season begins, and teams occasionally worry about the health of their players who participate in the tournament. While the competition is considered a prestigious opportunity for players to represent their countries, injuries during the event or its preparation can affect teams heading into the new season. In this case, the Mets could be among the first clubs impacted by a potential health issue connected to the tournament.
The report about Stock’s shoulder problem was initially shared by SleeperMets, a Mets-focused account on the social media platform X. According to the report, Mets manager Carlos Mendoza confirmed that the pitcher experienced shoulder discomfort while working out with Team Israel. As a precautionary step, Stock is scheduled to undergo medical testing to determine the severity of the issue and whether it could affect his availability moving forward.
Because of the discomfort and the need for further evaluation, Stock will no longer remain with the Israeli team during the World Baseball Classic. The decision was made in order to prioritize his health and prevent any risk of worsening the injury. While the exact nature of the shoulder issue has not yet been confirmed, the Mets and the player will likely wait for the results of medical examinations before determining the next steps.
This situation is particularly unfortunate for Stock because it would have marked his first appearance in an official World Baseball Classic game. Representing Israel in the tournament was an opportunity for him to compete on an international stage and potentially showcase his abilities in front of a global audience of baseball fans. However, because the shoulder discomfort occurred before the tournament officially began, he will not get the chance to pitch in any of the competition’s official games.
The discomfort reportedly surfaced after Stock pitched in a friendly or exhibition matchup. These practice games are typically organized as warm-up contests before the official tournament schedule begins. They allow teams to prepare their pitchers and lineups while getting players accustomed to game conditions. Unfortunately for Stock, the shoulder issue appeared during one of these preliminary outings, which forced him to step away from the competition entirely.
For a pitcher, shoulder health is critical, so even minor discomfort can lead to immediate caution. Teams and medical staffs are usually very careful when it comes to shoulder-related injuries because they can sometimes lead to longer-term problems if not treated properly. By withdrawing from the World Baseball Classic, Stock and the Mets organization are taking a preventative approach to ensure that the issue does not become something more serious.
Stock’s professional career has been somewhat unconventional, with several stops in different leagues around the world. Over the course of five seasons in Major League Baseball, he has compiled a career earned run average (ERA) of 4.90. While that number reflects the ups and downs he has experienced at the highest level of the sport, he has shown flashes of strong performance at different points during his career.
One of the most notable stretches of Stock’s career occurred in 2018 while he was pitching for the San Diego Padres. During that season, he appeared in 32 games and recorded an impressive 2.50 ERA. His performance that year demonstrated his potential to be an effective reliever in the majors, as he consistently delivered solid outings out of the bullpen and limited opposing hitters.
However, since that standout season, Stock has struggled to replicate that level of success in Major League Baseball. His appearances in the big leagues have been limited, and he has not pitched in more than 10 MLB games during any season following his 2018 campaign. As a result, he has spent time moving between different teams, leagues, and levels of professional baseball.
After previously pitching for the Mets in 2021, Stock rejoined the organization in hopes of reviving his career at the major league level. During his earlier stint with the Mets, he appeared in two games. Although the sample size was small, it allowed him to gain experience with the club and stay connected to the organization.
Following that period, Stock spent the 2022 season playing overseas in South Korea, where he competed in the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO). Many players who are seeking to rebuild their careers or gain consistent playing opportunities choose to play in international leagues like the KBO. These leagues offer a competitive environment and allow players to continue developing their skills while staying active professionally.
In subsequent years, Stock continued to move between different professional circuits. He spent time pitching in Mexico and also played at the Triple-A level in the minor leagues. These experiences helped him remain in professional baseball despite not having a consistent role in Major League Baseball.
Because of his varied career path, there was optimism that Stock might be able to contribute depth to the Mets’ pitching staff in the 2026 season. Teams often rely on experienced pitchers who can provide bullpen support during long seasons, and Stock’s previous MLB experience made him a candidate for that kind of role.
At the moment, Stock is signed to a minor league contract with the Mets. Minor league deals are commonly used by teams to bring in players who could potentially compete for roster spots during spring training. If a player performs well in camp, he may earn a place on the major league roster or be called up during the season if needed.
Stock had been expected to participate in spring training activities with the Mets while also representing Israel in the World Baseball Classic. The tournament can sometimes serve as a platform for players to demonstrate their abilities, which could strengthen their chances of making a major league roster.
However, the newly reported shoulder issue complicates that plan. Because he will now undergo medical testing and focus on recovery, it remains uncertain when he will be able to resume pitching. That uncertainty could affect his ability to compete for a spot on the Mets’ roster during spring training.
For the Mets, bullpen depth is always an important factor heading into a new season. Relief pitchers play a crucial role in modern baseball, often determining the outcome of close games. Even though Stock was not guaranteed a spot on the major league roster, he represented a potential option who could provide additional depth if injuries or performance issues arose within the bullpen.
The team will likely wait for the results of Stock’s medical evaluations before making any further decisions about his role. If the tests reveal only minor discomfort, he could potentially resume throwing after a short period of rest. On the other hand, if the issue turns out to be more significant, it could delay his return to competitive pitching.
Situations like this highlight one of the challenges associated with international tournaments like the World Baseball Classic. While the event is celebrated for bringing together players from many different countries, it also takes place during a period when MLB teams are preparing for the upcoming season. That timing sometimes raises concerns among clubs about potential injuries to their players.
Nevertheless, the World Baseball Classic remains an important event in the baseball world. It provides players with an opportunity to represent their heritage and compete on an international stage, something that many athletes consider a great honor. For players like Stock, the chance to pitch for Israel would have been a meaningful moment in their careers.
Although he will not get that opportunity this time, Stock’s focus will now shift toward recovery and returning to full health. If his shoulder improves and he is able to resume pitching, he could still have a chance to compete for a role within the Mets organization later in the season.
For now, both the Mets and Stock will be hoping that the shoulder discomfort turns out to be a minor issue rather than a serious injury. Until the medical tests are completed and more information becomes available, his timeline for returning to the mound remains uncertain.
In the meantime, the Mets will continue monitoring the situation closely as they prepare for the 2026 MLB season. While Stock’s role on the team has yet to be determined, his health will ultimately play the biggest factor in whether he can contribute to the club in the months ahead.
