Mets’ Pitching Updates: Kodai Senga Develops at Triple-A, Jonah Tong Hopes to Regain Confidence

The New York Mets are currently navigating through several pitching challenges, focusing on the development of Kodai Senga at Triple-A Syracuse while also supporting Jonah Tong, who is struggling to find his footing on the mound.

Kodai Senga: A Step Towards Redemption

Kodai Senga has been assigned another start with the Syracuse team after impressing in his previous outing. During his first game back, Senga showcased his skills by throwing six innings with just one earned run, only three hits allowed, no walks, and eight strikeouts—all in just 74 pitches. Mets’ manager Carlos Mendoza expressed confidence in Senga’s performance, noting:

“The main thing is he threw strikes, he attacked. Pretty much every pitch was working.”

With an expected return to the Mets’ active roster next Saturday—barring any injuries to fellow pitchers—this demotion appears to be a crucial step for Senga to refine his mechanics.

Key Highlights from Senga’s Performance:

• Innings Pitched: 6
• Earned Runs: 1
• Hits Allowed: 3
• Walks: 0
• Strikeouts: 8

Jonah Tong: A Need for Commissioning Support

Contrasting Senga’s success, Jonah Tong faced a challenging outing, allowing six runs and recording only two outs in Friday’s game. The 22-year-old rookie appeared emotionally shaken following this setback. Mendoza initiated discussions with Tong post-game and reiterated his support the following day, emphasizing:

“The whole team was right there supporting him. It goes to show that not only do we have really good players, we have really good people here.”

The Road Ahead for Tong

While Tong remains in the rotation “as of right now,” as stated by Mendoza, the situation could evolve quickly. With the Mets evaluating their six-man rotation in light of recent performances, they may need to explore alternative strategies, including pairing pitchers for games.

Team Dynamics and Veteran Influence

The support for Tong emphasizes the strong chemistry within the Mets’ roster. Mendoza highlighted the collective backing:

“It was pretty telling to see all the veterans supporting him [Friday] night.”

This sense of unity could potentially uplift Tong as he strives to recover from this difficult outing.

Mets’ Future and Player Developments

Looking ahead, the Mets have an off-day on Monday to assess their current situation concerning the pitching rotation. The team’s strategy may involve tandem starting to accommodate the evolving dynamics.

Player Performance Snapshot

• Pete Alonso: Continues to impress with his batting, achieving his eighth multi-hit game since August 26 and maintaining a .316 batting average in this span.

Honoring Iconic Figures

Additionally, the Mets announced plans to wear a uniform patch to honor Davey Johnson, a testament to the club’s rich history and appreciation for past contributions.

Conclusion

As the Mets focus on refining their pitching talent, both Kodai Senga and Jonah Tong reflect the highs and lows of baseball. With support from their teammates and leadership, there remains hope for improved performances as the season progresses.

Stay tuned for more updates on the Mets’ roster and player developments throughout the season!

For more insights on the Mets and upcoming games, visit the Mets official site.