The Mets optioned Tong to Triple-A Syracuse on Wednesday. Tong was knocked around for five runs (four earned) on five hits and two walks over 3.1 innings against the Mariners on Tuesday in a bulk-relief outing. The Mets recalled right-hander Joey Gerber from Triple-A in a corresponding move.
Tong (1-1) allowed five runs (four earned) on five hits and two walks while striking out four over 3.1 innings to take the loss Tuesday versus the Mariners. Tong was given another bulk-relief assignment, but he didn't do as well this time as he did against the Reds in his last appearance. The right-hander threw 54 of 83 pitches for strikes en route to collecting 10 outs. Over 10 innings this season, he has a 3.60 ERA, 1.50 WHIP and 7:7 K:BB. Tong will need to work on the walk rate in the long run, as that has been a limiting factor in keeping his innings down through three bulk-relief assignments so far. With Kodai Senga (back) potentially ready to return from the injured list next week, Tong is not guaranteed to make another appearance in the majors, though it's possible he'll get shifted to the bullpen should the Mets want to get a longer look at him against big-league bats.
Tong is expected to serve as a bulk reliever in Tuesday's game against the Mariners, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports. Tong was lined up to start Tuesday's contest, but the Mets will instead send Huascar Brazoban to the mound in the first inning. He and Tong both found success while working in tandem against the Reds last Wednesday, so the team will keep them paired up against Seattle.