Mets Weigh Call-Up of Jonah Tong Amid Rotation Struggles The New York Mets are considering bringing up top pitching prospect Jonah Tong for their series against the Miami Marlins, though the decision hinges on the outcome of their game against the Washington Nationals on Thursday. If the Mets play Thursday, Tong is likely to pitch Friday against the Marlins. However, if the game is rained out, he may stay in Syracuse, N.Y., for his Triple-A start. The Mets are evaluating multiple scenarios for Tong’s use, including inserting him as a sixth starter in the rotation or deploying him as a bulk pitcher behind an opener. Manager Carlos Mendoza emphasized that the team is keeping Tong in play, though the exact role remains uncertain. Tong, 22, has struggled in his brief MLB appearances last season. Over five starts with the Mets, he threw 18 2/3 innings and posted a 7.71 ERA. The Mets rushed him up to the majors after just two starts in Triple A due to rotation needs, but his performance did not meet expectations. In nine Triple A starts this season, Tong holds a 5.68 ERA, with a 32.7% strikeout rate (top in the International League) but a 14.3% walk rate (among the worst in the league). His 2025 season in the majors was marked by inconsistency, and the Mets are now seeking to leverage his potential in a shortened schedule. The Mets’ rotation has been under significant strain without Clay Holmes, who led the team in innings before a fractured fibula sidelined him. Since Holmes’ injury, the rotation has struggled to provide length, with Nolan McLean’s 5 2/3-inning start marking the longest outing from a Mets starter since Holmes’ absence. Relievers like David Peterson, Freddy Peralta, and Christian Scott have stepped in, while rookie Zach Thornton made his major-league debut with 4 1/3 innings.#miami_marlins #new_york_mets #carlos_mendoza #jonah_tong #syracuse_n_y
