Mets Minors Game Thread: Tong Gets Opening Day Start for Syracuse

Friday, March 27, 2026 • 4:05 PM
Polar Park • Worcester, MA
RHP Jonah Tong (0-0, -.–) vs. LHP Jake Bennett (0-0, -.–)
MiLB.TV

A day after the New York Mets took down the Pittsburgh Pirates on Opening Day, their Triple-A affiliate will begin their season on the road with a notable name on the mound.

Right-hander Jonah Tong, who is universally viewed as one of the Mets’ top prospects, will toe the rubber for Syracuse against left-hander Jake Bennett and the Worcester Red Sox.

Syracuse also opened the 2025 campaign in Worcester, resulting in a 4-3 victory aided by a one-run, five-strikeout performance over five innings by starter Blade Tidwell, who was later traded to the San Francisco Giants at last year’s deadline as part of the package for Tyler Rogers.

Syracuse Lineup

1. MJ Melendez – LF
2. Nick Morabito – CF
3. Ronny Mauricio – SS
4. Ryan Clifford – 1B
5. Christian Arroyo – 3B
6. Jose Rojas – DH
7. Cristian Pache – RF
8. Jackson Cluff – 2B
9. Hayden Senger – C

Worcester Lineup

1. Nick Sogard – 3B
2. Kristian Campbell – CF
3. Mickey Gasper – 1B
4. Nate Eaton – RF
5. Mikey Romero – 2B
6. Allan Castro – DH
7. Tsung-Che Cheng – SS
8. Matt Thaiss – C
9. Braiden Ward – LF

Game Notes

• Tong, who recorded a 7.71 ERA in five starts and 18 2/3 innings at the big-league level in 2025, did not allow an earned run across 11 2/3 frames for Syracuse last season.
• Both Ben Rortvedt and Vidal Bruján cleared waivers and have been out-righted to Syracuse, per MLB.com’s Anthony DiComo.
• Mauricio is heading into his third season in Syracuse. Over 125 total games with the team, he has slashed .306/.361/.526 with 26 home runs and 28 stolen bases. The 24-year-old batted .226/.293/.369 in 184 plate appearances with the Mets last season.

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