2026 Transactions: Padres DFA Hunt, Mets Make Moves

Given that not every team was in action on Labor Day, there weren’t a significant number of roster-related moves. But there were still some notable ones. Jonah Tong is back up with the Mets, while Blake Hunt was designated for assignment.

Hunt cut by Padres

The Padres designated catcher Blake Hunt for assignment on September 7. That was the corresponding move made to place Nick Pivetta back on the 40-man roster. Pivetta was activated from the injured list.

Hunt, who was drafted back in 2017 by the club, made his MLB debut this past June. However, the Padres have a backlog of catchers at the big-league catcher — never a bad thing — now that Ethan Salas is up with San Diego.

He slashed .305/.399/.623 with 13 home runs and 21 extra-base hits in the Minors this season, most of which were spent in Triple-A. Hunt did not get a hit in his three at-bats with San Diego.

Mets bring back Tong

Jonah Tong was recalled by the Mets to start against the Marlins on the 7th. Tong struck out seven over five innings, allowing four runs. He allowed four hits.

It was Tong’s first action at the MLB level since June 2, when he went just 3.1 IP versus the Seattle Mariners. The right-hander, as of September 7, was second in the International League in total strikeouts (126). But he’s also had problems with command. Tong walked 59 over 107 IP and allowed 22 home runs.

Justin Hagenman was optioned down in a corresponding move.

Recalls & options

Brandon Sproat (Brewers), Phillip Abner (Giants), and Yovanny Cruz (Nationals) were recalled from the Minors.

Elmer Rodriguez (Yankees), Garrett Acton (Twins), Jhony Brito (Padres), Edwin Arroyo (Reds), Ryan Ritter (Rockies), Chris Murphy (White Sox), and Braxton Roxby (Giants) were optioned.