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20h ago

Mets Shift to Six-Man Rotation to Keep Rookie Jonah Tong After Debut Win

The change prioritizes managing innings to give the club a clean look at its rookie starters before October.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - AUGUST 29: Jonah Tong #21 of the New York Mets reacts after a strikeout in the fifth inning am at Citi Field on August 29, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Evan Bernstein/Getty Images)
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Aug 29, 2025; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Jonah Tong (21) reacts after striking out Miami Marlins catcher Liam Hicks (not pictured) to end the top of the fifth inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Overview

  • Manager Carlos Mendoza said New York will operate with a six-man rotation for now, confirming Tong will get another start.
  • Tong’s debut line: 5 innings, 6 strikeouts, 0 walks, 4 runs with only 1 earned on 97 pitches after defensive miscues extended the fifth.
  • The Mets scored 19 runs in a 19-9 win over the Marlins, their most in a home game, and OptaSTATS noted Tong is just the second modern-era pitcher to win his debut with 19+ runs of support.
  • The club will use a seven-man bullpen for the next two games, with an eighth reliever expected when active rosters expand Monday.
  • Fellow rookie Nolan McLean has allowed two runs across his first 20 1/3 innings, strengthening the youth-driven rotation plan and the evaluation of postseason roles.