New York Mets calling up Canadian pitching prospect Jonah Tong to start Friday

The New York Mets are calling up another top pitching prospect in the middle of a pennant race.

Jonah Tong, of Markham, Ont., will be promoted to start Friday night against the Miami Marlins after only two outings at Triple-A Syracuse. The 22-year-old right-hander has overpowered minor league hitters, striking out 377 while compiling a 2.54 ERA in 247 2/3 career innings.

Tong has struck out more batters than any minor league pitcher at any level this season.

"I think it's all about him dominating the minor leagues," Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said before Tuesday night's 6-5 win over Philadelphia. "It's hard to keep him there, you know? So, here he is now."

With the Mets in a stretch of 16 games without a day off, they want to insert a sixth starter next time through the rotation to give the regular members an extra day of rest. Frankie Montas was largely ineffective this year before being demoted to the bullpen and landing on the injured list recently with a season-ending elbow ailment that is expected to require Tommy John surgery.

Depending on his performance, Tong could stick with the major league club down the stretch.

"We're going turn by turn at this point," president of baseball operations David Stearns said. "I think in September we try not to plan too far ahead."

The decision comes soon after the Mets brought up touted pitcher Nolan McLean from Syracuse to make his debut Aug. 16 against Seattle.

With the team starved for length and dependability from any starter besides David Peterson, the 24-year-old McLean has delivered, going 2-0 with a 1.46 ERA and 15 strikeouts in 12 1/3 innings over two big league starts.

"It's an exciting time for the organization. But at the same time, I don't want to put too much on