Overview

• Tong’s debut is being treated as an audition, with team leaders indicating they could keep him in the rotation if he performs.
• Across Double-A and Triple-A this season, the 22-year-old posted a 1.43 ERA with 179 strikeouts in 113 2/3 innings, including 11 2/3 scoreless frames over his two Triple-A starts.
• The Friday assignment provides a sixth starter to manage workload and lines up David Peterson for Saturday and Kodai Senga for Sunday after issues on regular rest.
• Brandon Sproat remains in Triple-A Syracuse for now due to scheduling and workload considerations despite a strong second half featuring a 2.77 ERA and 61 strikeouts over his past 52 innings.
• The move comes as the Mets juggle rotation concerns, with Frankie Montas likely headed for Tommy John surgery, Senga drawing criticism for recent outings, Sean Manaea battling inconsistency, and fellow rookie Nolan McLean already pitching well.