Mets prospect Jonah Tong named Eastern League Pitcher of the Month for May

Mets prospect Jonah Tong has been one of the best pitchers in minor league baseball this season, and he was just recognized for his elite performance in May.

Tong has been named the Eastern League Pitcher of the Month after he posted a 1.35 ERA over five starts spanning 26.2 innings.

His other numbers were dominant as well, including:

A batting average against of .122
A 0.90 WHIP
42 strikeouts

Tong began June right where he left off last month, firing 5.0 hitless innings while walking three and striking out 11.

For the season, the 21-year-old has a 2.02 ERA and 1.02 WHIP in 49.0 innings over 10 starts. He has allowed just 23 hits, only two home runs, and has fanned 83 batters -- a rate of 15.2 per nine.

Speaking with SNY last week, Tong discussed his ascension and highlighted what he's working on -- including his new slider.

The 21-year-old right-hander is also mindful of the need to limit his walks.

"The most obvious one for me is the walks right now," he said. "They’re definitely there. I do think – and I’m really confident -- that they’re not always gonna be there. It’s just more getting my feet wet and getting into the season. Last year happened for me right out of the gate, and this year it’s just a little bit slower when it comes to that.

"It’s just being more consistent, and knowing that when I’m in the zone we’re gonna have a lot of success. And just feeling confident in that. So I think just being in the zone early and often, and having the ability to put away hitters is something I’ve shown I can do – I just need to do it a little more consistently."