Jonah Tong, a top pitching prospect for the New York Mets, is expected to rejoin the major league team next week. The 23-year-old is slated to be recalled from Triple-A Syracuse and is anticipated to pitch during the Mets' upcoming series in Miami.
Tong has showcased strong performance in his recent outings for Syracuse. Over his last four starts, he has posted a 0.84 earned run average with 23 strikeouts and 10 walks in 21 1/3 innings. Notably, he carried a no-hitter into the seventh inning of a start on August 29, ultimately allowing only one hit and two walks over seven innings.
Interim manager Andy Green indicated that Tong's potential call-up could be part of an expanded rotation. "We have been paying attention to Jonah’s outings and we think positively about what he’s done," Green said.
Tong, ranked as the organization's second-best pitching prospect by MLB Pipeline, previously had a brief stint with the Mets earlier this season. In three relief appearances, he recorded a 3.60 ERA. He made his major league debut last season, starting five games and finishing with a 7.71 ERA.
"When Jonah is in the strike zone and he’s on the attack and he’s letting his best stuff play, he usually has a lot of success," Green added.
In other roster news, pitcher Dylan Ross was optioned to Syracuse after making his major league debut with a scoreless inning in relief. This move cleared roster space for Justin Hagenman, who was added to the rotation. Meanwhile, Devin Williams has begun playing catch as he recovers from a shoulder strain, though a timetable for his return has not yet been established. Kodai Senga has been filling the closer role in Williams' absence.
Additionally, Juan Soto may return to playing left field when the Mets return home this weekend. Soto had started the previous four games as the designated hitter since his return from the injured list.