Tong (2-2) earned the win Thursday over San Diego, allowing one unearned run on four hits over five innings. He struck out eight.
After allowing six runs in just two-thirds of an inning during his previous start, Tong rebounded with an excellent effort against the Padres, logging a season high in strikeouts without issuing a walk. Through his first four MLB starts (16.2 innings), Tong has posted a 5.94 ERA with a 1.44 WHIP and 21:7 K:BB. He'll look to build on Thursday's performance his next time out, tentatively slated for next week on the road against the Cubs in what should be his final start of the regular season.
Tong (1-2) took the loss Friday, surrendering six runs on four hits and three walks over two-thirds of an inning as the Mets fell 8-3 to the Rangers. He struck out one.
The 22-year-old rookie couldn't escape the first inning, walking two of the first three batters he faced, and Tong may have been feeling jitters in a high-profile matchup against former Mets ace Jacob deGrom. Tong was the victim of bad luck as much as his control problems, however, as he gave up three opposite-field singles on bloops and flares -- none hit harder than 89.1 mph -- before a well-placed double by Michael Helman into the left-field corner with an exit velocity of just 81.5 mph chased the right-hander from the game. Tong sports an unsightly 8.49 ERA, 1.71 WHIP and 13:7 K:BB through his first three starts and 11.2 big-league innings, and with Kodai Senga looking sharp in his first Triple-A start Friday, the Mets may make a change in their rotation as they try to desperately cling to a wild-card spot. If he gets another turn, Tong is currently set to make his next start at home next weekend against the Nationals.
Tong (1-1) took the loss Saturday as the Mets fell 6-3 to the Reds, giving up four runs on three hits -- all home runs -- and four walks over six innings. He struck out six.
Making his second big-league start, Tong fought his control and command, tossing 57 of 96 pitches for strikes and finding it difficult to keep the ball in cozy Great American Ball Park. The right-hander was still able to give New York six innings, however, and the team seems committed to its youth movement in the rotation with Brandon Sproat set to make his MLB debut Sunday. Tong lines up to make his next trip to the mound at home next weekend against the Rangers.
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