Tong Could Be Next Up for Mets If They Move to Six-Man Rotation
The Mets might add right-hander Tong to Triple-A Syracuse’s rotation to start Friday’s game against the Marlins if they decide to expand their active pitching staff to six men. Tong only recently reached Triple-A this month, but in his first two outings at the level he has been dominant, pitching 11.2 shutout innings while fanning 17 and walking three. Across the season, he leads all minor-league pitchers with 179 strikeouts over 113.2 innings, a clear signal that he’s ready for a major league look.
With New York in a tight playoff race, the 22-year-old’s continued success provides the Mets with a potential boost to the rotation as they push for a late-season push. If the club chooses not to promote Tong, it could instead activate rehabbing Tylor Megill from the 60-day injured list to start Friday, a move that would give David Peterson and Kodai Senga an extra day of rest.
Editor’s notes:
– Tong’s rapid progression through the minors signals the organization’s willingness to accelerate development to address immediate roster needs.
– A six-man rotation could help manage workload during a crucial stretch and reduce the strain on bullpen arms.
– If Tong earns a major league opportunity, closely monitor his strike-rate and control as he faces major league lineups for the first time.
– The decision will hinge on the Mets’ longer-term plans for the rotation and how they balance rest with keeping front-line arms fresh for the postseason push.
Summary: Tong’s eye-popping minor-league numbers and quick ascent this season have put him in the conversation for a major-league debut in a potential six-man rotation, offering a promising, homegrown solution for a Mets club in the thick of the playoff chase. Positive outlook ahead, if the team chooses to promote him.