The New York Mets are not yet prepared to recall pitcher Jonah Tong from Triple-A Syracuse, despite a recent improvement in his performance at the minor league level. While a September call-up remains a possibility, the team is taking a measured approach.

Tong has posted a 2.65 ERA over his last seven outings for Syracuse, a significant turnaround after a season that had been disappointing for the young right-hander. In his most recent start on Saturday against Worcester, he pitched 5 2/3 scoreless innings, allowing three hits while striking out three and walking two.

"He's at his best when he's filling up the strike zone, getting ahead in the count," said interim manager Andy Green. "His stuff has always been really, really good. When he's got velo, when he fills up the strike zone, he's good and he's done that more consistently recently. So we're encouraged by that."

Green indicated that Tong is likely to start again for Syracuse in his next scheduled outing. "Without being fully committed, I think our anticipation is that he'll get the ball next time around," Green stated. "We'll continue to watch what happens around our system as well. I think right now that's kind of where we're headed."

The Mets view Tong, 23, as a potential part of their future, contrasting with the current situation of their No. 5 starter, Robert Stock. Stock, 36, has a 7.40 ERA and has struggled in his five starts, failing to complete the sixth inning in any of them and being non-competitive in two outings.

Tong has yet to fully establish himself at the major league level, having not met expectations as a top prospect. In five starts last year, he had an ERA of 7.71. This season, his ERA was 3.60 over three starts, but he pitched only 10 combined innings and registered a high WHIP of 1.50.

The team wants to ensure Tong is fully ready before another major league opportunity. "We'll continue to keep an eye on him, continue to watch, continue to see how he performs," Green said. "Definitely somebody we think highly of and excited when the time comes."

Green added that while Tong has had encouraging outings suggesting short-term major league availability, other performances warrant more time in the minors. "Jonah has had outings where you're greatly encouraged about his short-term major league availability, and he's had outings where you're like, let's give it a minute longer."

The ideal scenario for the Mets would be for Tong to continue his strong performance in Syracuse, earning a promotion for some starts in September. A few successful outings at the major league level could be significant for his development. "If he's in a spot where he's throwing the ball well, [if] he gives us the best chance to win a baseball game, then he feels really good about being here and getting those opportunities, that's probably how we look at it," Green said. "Just give him an opportunity to pitch when he's really ready for the opportunity to pitch. I'd love to see it, but we don't have anything committed to it yet."