We were all taken aback by Frankie Montas’ season-ending injury and possible termination from the New York Mets. Based on the data, we concluded that he was most likely not feeling well. The first indication that something could be amiss was the team’s failure to use him on Friday.
The Mets must think about potential roster changes as a result of Montas’ departure. He was replaced as their new long man on the roster by Huascar Brazoban. It would be far more audacious to promote another young person to succeed Nolan McLean.
The player that should be promoted is Brandon Sproat. Jonah Tong, what about him? Given David Stearns’ actions, it was a long shot to make it to the majors, but some altering weather has made it a genuine possibility.
Jonah Tong is apparently in play to join the Mets this season
Tong must have been watching Mike Puma on Twitter because on Saturday night, he made a stronger argument for a major league promotion. Tong walked one hitter, struck out eight more, and threw six shutout innings. In Triple-A, he has already tossed 11.2 scoreless innings and isn’t slowing down.
Instead of calling up Sproat or even using someone less intriguing, the Mets are choosing to play Kodai Senga, who is on a regular four-day rest, against the Philadelphia Phillies on Monday. Tong must be added to the 40-man roster by the end of August in order for the Mets to guarantee his eligibility for the postseason. Regardless of how this season turns out, Tong is clearly indicating that he will be contending for regular innings to begin the 2026 season, so there is no reason not to.
The next generation of young players to join the major league team has been eagerly anticipated by fans. The more positive consequence that calling up Tong might offer the squad is further supported by Nolan McLean’s success through two starts. They wouldn’t be doing themselves any harm by throwing out a few in favor of taking the precaution of having Tong present, even if it means we have to wait a little longer to see him play in a major league game, given that every bullpen piece in the minors on the 40-man roster is a journeyman at the age of 28 or older.
