The New York Mets recalled top pitching prospect Jonah Tong on Friday ahead of their series against the Miami Marlins, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post.
To make room for Tong on the roster, the Mets designated veteran reliever Craig Kimbrel for assignment. The former star closer owns a 6.00 ERA in 15 innings pitched this season. The 37-year-old most recently allowed two earned runs in a loss to the Washington Nationals on Wednesday.
Tong is New York's second-ranked overall prospect and its No. 1 player among pitchers. The right-hander was scratched from his Wednesday start with Triple-A Syracuse as it became increasingly likely that he would rejoin the Mets. He maintains a 5.68 ERA in Triple-A this season.
The Mets could deploy Tong as a starter or multi-inning option out of the bullpen versus the Marlins.
The 22-year-old posted a 7.71 ERA in five MLB starts with the Mets last year.
