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PORT ST. LUCIE — Jonah Tong finished last season in the major leagues, but will have to wait before receiving another chance at that level.
On Tuesday, the rookie was optioned to Triple-A Syracuse, as the Mets look to find innings for the right-hander that won’t be available in major league camp.
“He’s a big part of what we’re trying to do here,” manager Carlos Mendoza said before the Mets faced the Cardinals in an exhibition game. “Just go down there and continue to develop and work on some things that you need to work on.”
Tong, 22, pitched to a 7.71 ERA in five starts for the Mets last season.
Entering camp he was viewed as rotation depth, behind Freddy Peralta, Nolan McLean, Sean Manaea, Clay Holmes, Kodai Senga and David Peterson. The Mets also have Christian Scott, who is returning from Tommy John surgery rehab, as rotation depth.
“We were pretty honest with [Tong] from the very beginning, understanding that injuries happen throughout camp,” Mendoza said. “But the most likely outcome was he was probably going to start the year at Triple-A. But having that relationship with him now is more like some of the things he needs to work on.
“He’s a humble guy that wants to continue to get better, always asking good questions, which is basically what we saw [previously]. And the way he handles adversity.”
Scott, in his first Grapefruit League outing (he previously pitched against Team Israel in a scrimmage), pitched three scoreless innings in relief in the 6-1 victory over the Cardinals. The right-hander walked four and struck out four, allowing only one hit.
The right-hander missed all of last season rehabbing from Tommy John surgery. He pitched 2 ²/₃ scoreless innings against Israel in his spring debut.
Luis Robert Jr.’s debut in the Grapefruit League is scheduled for Thursday against the Cardinals in Jupiter, Fla.
The outfielder has been playing minor league games every other day to slow-play his spring in an attempt to preserve his legs.
Francisco Lindor played four innings on defense in a simulated game as he rehabs from left hamate bone surgery.
Team officials remain optimistic the shortstop will be available to play Opening Day in two weeks.
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