Overview

• Tong allowed seven hits and five earned runs, walked two and struck out one, and was lifted without recording an out in the third after 56 pitches.
• The loss evened the series in Chicago and dropped Tong to 2-3 with a 7.71 ERA across 18.2 innings in five MLB appearances.
• Despite the defeat, the Mets’ magic number decreased thanks to losses by the Reds and Diamondbacks, leaving New York one game ahead at 81-77.
• Tong’s rapid promotion after only two Triple-A outings has renewed calls for him to open 2026 in Syracuse to refine his development.
• Rotation instability persists with veterans struggling and Kodai Senga in the minors, while fellow rookies Nolan McLean and Brandon Sproat have been bright spots; McLean gets the ball Thursday with a 1.27 ERA.