![\"Mets](\"https:\/\/bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com\/thestar.com\/content\/tncms\/assets\/v3\/editorial\/8\/d0\/8d0cf667-117f-5db1-9b66-058b0b33b65e\/68a4fd56eea1a.image.jpg?resize=750%2C500\")
The\u00a0New York Mets<\/a>\u00a0(76-72) have been on a downward spiral in September, entering Saturday in the midst of a seven-game losing streak and in danger of losing control of the final NL wild-card spot.<\/p>\nA major reason for the team\u2019s recent skid has been the lack of starting pitching, forcing the Mets to rely heavily on rookies with limited big-league experience. Most notably, 22-year-old Jonah Tong has been called upon to make crucial starts down the stretch.<\/p>\n
Although Tong may eventually develop into a high-quality starter, he had made just two starts in Triple-A before his call-up, and his debut came out of necessity with immediate pressure to deliver.<\/p>\n
During Friday\u2019s 8-3 loss to the\u00a0Texas Rangers<\/a>, Tong was roughed up and failed to make it out of the first inning, allowing six earned runs on four hits and three walks while recording just two outs. It marked his second straight loss and raised further concerns about his readiness for\u00a0MLB<\/a>\u00a0action.<\/p>\n With questions mounting over Tong\u2019s role, Mets manager Carlos Mendoza was asked Saturday whether the team had discussed removing him from the rotation.<\/p>\n Mendoza replied, \u201cWe haven\u2019t had any conversations about not having Jonah start a game. As of right now, he is in the rotation.\u201d<\/p>\n Carlos Mendoza says Jonah Tong is still in the rotation right now: <\/p>\n "We haven't had any conversations about not having Jonah start a game" pic.twitter.com\/qmF1JVUWH5<\/a><\/p>\n — SNY (@SNYtv) September 13, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n