MIAMI — Jonah Tong’s impressive performance on Friday has secured his place with the Mets.
Manager Carlos Mendoza announced that the right-handed pitcher will join the rotation, either as a starter or a bulk reliever, after delivering three scoreless innings in his season debut against the Marlins.
As a result of this decision, Zach Thornton has been sent to Triple-A Syracuse, which opens up another reliever spot. That position has been filled by Jonathan Pintaro, who was called up on Saturday.
Prior to the Mets’ 4-1 loss to the Marlins, Mendoza noted, “What we saw [Friday] was quite encouraging, and it’s exactly what we expect from him.”
Thornton made his major league debut on Wednesday, where he pitched 4¹₃ innings but gave up four earned runs.
In another update, Jared Young is making progress in his rehabilitation and might be back with the Mets for their next homestand. He has been out for five weeks following surgery on a torn meniscus in his left knee. During his absence, MJ Melendez stepped in as a left-handed hitter, outfielder, and designated hitter.
AJ Minter’s scheduled rehabilitation start on Saturday against Triple-A Syracuse was postponed due to rain. He has now been rescheduled to pitch on Sunday, which could serve as his final outing before returning to the Mets.
Kodai Senga is set to arrive in New York this week to train with his teammates alongside the coaching staff. However, Coach Mendoza did not share details on Chiga’s upcoming rehabilitation start date; the right-handed pitcher recently threw 63 pitches over 3 1/3 innings on Friday at Single-A St. Lucie.
Tyler Megill and Reid Garrett, both recovering from Tommy John surgery, joined the team on Saturday at Lawndepot Park. “It can be really isolating being away from your teammates and what they’re going through,” Mendoza remarked.
