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Carlos Mendoza Speaks Out After Mets Make Pitching Decision

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Josh Valdez | Last updated Aug 30, 2025 3:30 PM ET

The New York Mets' starting rotation has been through several changes this season, but the most recent one will reveal the most about their future.

New York promoted top pitching prospects Nolan McLean and Jonah Tong in August, and the results have been fruitful. McLean is 3-0 with a 0.89 ERA and 0.69 WHIP in three starts thus far, and is the first hurler in franchise history to win his first three outings. Meanwhile, Tong allowed one run across five innings in his MLB debut on Friday, picking up the win against the Miami Marlins.

Manager Carlos Mendoza announced on Friday that Tong will be the sixth man in the rotation, via SNY. He then elaborated before Saturday's rematch with the Marlins, via MLB.com's Anthony DiComo.

Mendoza said that New York has a "fluid" rotation.

"We are evaluating these guys pretty much start-by-start. ... They know where we're at on the schedule and the meaning of every game, and the importance of it. ... We're going to continue to put the best guys out there," he continued.

Carlos Mendoza on the Mets' "fluid" six-man rotation:

"We are evaluating these guys pretty much start-by-start. ... They know where we're at on the schedule and the meaning of every game, and the importance of it. ... We're going to continue to put the best guys out there."
— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) August 30, 2025

Mets' Rookies Can Support Veterans

New York needs McLean and Tong due to injuries and performance. Tylor Megill (elbow), Frankie Montas (UCL), and Griffin Canning (Achilles) are all on the IL, and ace Kodai Senga (7-5, 2.73 ERA) has a 5.48 ERA in August. Additionally, Sean Manaea (1-2, 5.01 ERA) has a 7.13 ERA in August, David Peterson (8-5, 3.18 ERA) has a 4.66 ERA, and Clay Holmes (11-6, 3.60 ERA) has a 4.32 ERA.

McLean and Tong are injecting life into the rotation at the right time, as the Mets still have time to fight for the division title. They're currently five games behind the Philadelphia Phillies and are five games ahead of the Cincinnati Reds for the NL's third and final Wild Card spot.

A six-man rotation will also allow more rest for the veterans, which will help avoid more injuries before the postseason.

Peterson will start for New York against Miami's Edward Cabrera (7-7, 3.82 ERA) on Saturday. After that, the Mets will host the Marlins once more before hitting the road to play the Detroit Tigers, Reds, and Phillies.

Then, they'll return home to battle the Texas Rangers, San Diego Padres, and Washington Nationals before finishing the regular season on the road against the Chicago Cubs and Marlins. The final game is on Sept. 28.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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