Mets Send Jonah Tong Back To Minors After Another Short Outing

A short outing by a starter is forcing the New York Mets to make a change in the pitching staff.

Right-handed starter Jonah Tong has been sent down to Triple-A Syracuse by the Mets, with right-hander Joey Gerber coming up to replace him. Tong went just 3⅓ innings in Tuesday's 8-3 loss to the Seattle Mariners following an opener, prompting the need for another arm in the bullpen.

Tong, Grand Central Mets' No. 2 prospect, allowed five runs (four earned) on five hits and two walks while fanning four. He was good in his other two appearances since being called up, but hasn't provided length. He has chewed up a combined 10 innings in those three outings and didn't allow an earned run in the first two.

Gerber is up with the Mets for the third time this year, but he only pitched in one game. That came April 13 in a 4-0 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers when he went two scoreless innings, striking out five and walking one while allowing two hits. At Triple-A this year, Gerber has an 8.79 ERA in 13 games and 14⅓ innings, walking five and striking out 10.