MIAMI — Jonah Tong’s strong work Friday has earned him a stay with the Mets.
The right-hander figures into the next rotation turn, either as a starter or in a bulk relief role, according to Mendoza, after he pitched three hitless, scoreless innings from the bullpen against the Marlins in his season debut.
With Tong in the mix, Zach Thornton was optioned to Triple-A Syracuse — allowing the Mets to add another reliever. That spot went to Jonathan Pintaro, who was recalled Saturday.
“[Tong] is a big part of the team and the organization, so we’re going to continue to give him opportunities,” manager Carlos Mendoza said before the Mets lost to the Marlins, 4-1.
“What we saw [Friday] was very encouraging and that is what we expect from him.”
Thornton allowed four earned runs over 4 ¹/₃ innings Wednesday against the Nationals in his major league debut.
Jared Young is progressing in his rehab and could rejoin the Mets during the next homestand, according to Mendoza.
The utilityman has been sidelined for the past five weeks after undergoing surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee. MJ Melendez has filled the left-handed bat, outfield/DH role in Young’s absence.
A.J. Minter was rained out in his scheduled rehab appearance Saturday for Triple-A Syracuse.
The lefty reliever has been rescheduled to pitch Sunday, his potential final appearance before rejoining the Mets.
Kodai Senga will be with the Mets in New York this week to work out with teammates and under the coaching staff’s guidance.
Mendoza did not have the specifics on Senga’s next rehab start. The right-hander threw 63 pitches over 3 ¹/₃ innings for Single-A St. Lucie on Friday.
Tylor Megill and Reed Garrett, both of whom are rehabbing from Tommy John surgery in Port St. Lucie, were with the team Saturday at loanDepot park.
“It can be a lonely place when you are far away from your teammates and them going through what they are going through,” Mendoza said.
