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Mets Recall Jonah Tong, Designate Craig Kimbrel After Holmes Injury

5/23/2026

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Summary

Mets Recall Tong

The New York Mets recalled Jonah Tong from Syracuse on May 22 2026 and designated Craig Kimbrel for assignment after starter Clay Holmes entered the injured list.
Tong posted a 5.68 ERA and 1.37 WHIP in nine starts, while Kimbrel allowed 10 runs in 15 innings for a 6.00 ERA and 1.47 WHIP.
Tobias Myers (0-1, 3.41 ERA) will start Friday versus Miami as the Mets have won four of six series since early May.

Summary

Tong Wins

Jonah Tong earned MiLB Pitcher of the Year after posting a 1.43 ERA and 179 strikeouts across Double-A and Triple-A in 2025.
He is adding a cutter and slider, causing growing-pain adjustments in Triple-A.
Craig Kimbrel, a nine-time All-Star with 440 career saves and a 2.65 ERA, faces a seven-day deadline for release, outright or trade after his DFA, with a 2026 salary of $2.5 million.

History

Historical Context

In 1998 the Yankees, after a 114-win season—the most in franchise history—restructured their bullpen, promoting young left-hander Andy Pettitte and shedding veteran relievers to stay under payroll. The Mets’ 2026 decision to recall Jonah Tong and designate Craig Kimbrel echoes that same strategy of balancing talent and salary. Both moves show how front offices use roster flexibility to sustain competitiveness.

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Mets Recall Tong

The New York Mets recalled Jonah Tong from Syracuse on May 22 2026 and designated Craig Kimbrel for assignment after starter Clay Holmes entered the injured list.
Tong posted a 5.68 ERA and 1.37 WHIP in nine starts, while Kimbrel allowed 10 runs in 15 innings for a 6.00 ERA and 1.47 WHIP.
Tobias Myers (0-1, 3.41 ERA) will start Friday versus Miami as the Mets have won four of six series since early May.

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