Overview

• The Mets promoted Tong after just two Triple-A starts to act as a sixth starter during a 16-game stretch without a day off.
• Team president David Stearns and Tong both described the call-up as unexpected, a departure from the club’s typically gradual approach to pitching prospects.
• Tong led affiliated baseball with 179 strikeouts and posted a 1.43 ERA across Double-A and Triple-A, including 11 2/3 scoreless innings at Syracuse.
• Scouts note an over-the-top delivery and a riding fastball with a plus changeup, drawing occasional comparisons to Tim Lincecum.
• Whether he remains in the rotation will depend on early results, with fellow rookie Nolan McLean’s strong debut month providing a recent example of immediate impact.