Despite a near no-hitter in his latest outing for Triple-A Syracuse, Mets interim manager Andy Green offered little certainty regarding pitcher Jonah Tong's potential call-up for September. Green stated that Tong's performance, where he allowed just one hit over nearly seven innings in the first game of a doubleheader, has become a "discussion point" for himself, president of baseball operations David Stearns, and other team decision-makers.
Tong struck out eight batters and lowered his minor league ERA to 4.54 in the game, making his earlier struggles seem less significant. Green, who watched at least three innings of the outing, noted that Tong's fastball appeared lively and that the 23-year-old pitcher was effectively using the top of the strike zone.
"I think we’re glad to see those results from Jonah," Green said. "He’s doing some really nice things, so that is definitely not unseen. … Encouraging outing for him for sure."
The Mets' No. 2 pitching prospect and No. 5 overall prospect according to MLB Pipeline, Tong recorded a 3.60 ERA in three bulk-inning relief appearances in the majors this season. However, he faced difficulties after being sent back to Triple-A in early June. His recent performance offers a promising turnaround as he makes his case for a return to the major leagues before the season concludes, particularly with the Mets' postseason aspirations virtually extinguished.
Major League Baseball rosters expand from 26 to 28 players on September 1. The Mets have utilized journeyman Robert Stock, who is set for his sixth start on Monday, but he has struggled, allowing seven runs on 10 hits in a recent outing.
Tong also experienced struggles in five major league starts last year, posting a 7.71 ERA. Despite this, he advanced rapidly through the minors in the previous season, earning his first MLB opportunity and emerging as a potential future rotation piece for the Mets. His performance on Saturday has certainly not hindered his chances of rejoining the team for the final month of games.