Mets option Tong to Triple-A, recall Gerber from Syracuse

The New York Mets optioned right-hander Jonah Tong to Triple-A Syracuse on Wednesday before their series finale against the Seattle Mariners. Right-hander Joey Gerber was recalled from Syracuse in a corresponding move. Tong, ranked as the 35th overall prospect by MLB Pipeline and second in the Mets organization, pitched 3 1/3 innings in Tuesday's 8-3 loss, allowing four runs on five hits while striking out four and walking two.

The 22-year-old appeared in three games this season as a bulk reliever after being called up May 22. In 10 innings, he posted a 3.60 ERA with seven strikeouts and seven walks. "We need to see consistency with him throwing strikes," Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said Wednesday.

He did not allow an earned run in his first two outings, but command issues have been a problem for the hard-throwing right-hander. " Gerber gives the Mets a fresh arm in the bullpen after they used six pitchers in Monday's 3-2 extra-inning loss and four in Tuesday's game. The Mets have played 12 extra-inning games this season, the most in the majors.

Gerber has made one appearance for the Mets this season, allowing two hits and no runs over two innings on April 13. The Mets currently have three pitchers locked into starting roles: Freddy Peralta, Nolan McLean and Christian Scott. Tong, David Peterson and Sean Manaea have been working in bulk relief roles.

Manaea pitched well Monday after relieving Austin Warren in the second inning, allowing one run on one hit over five innings. With his velocity down in spring training this year, Manaea failed to earn a rotation spot and was placed in the bullpen.