Mets right-hander Jonah Tong continued to face challenges with consistency in Sunday’s 7-2 loss to the Philadelphia Phillies at Citi Field. The 23-year-old rookie allowed four earned runs on five hits and four walks over 4 2/3 innings, departing after throwing 95 pitches. The early runs in the first inning set a difficult tone for the home team, who were unable to mount a comeback.

Tong, one of several homegrown pitchers vying for rotation spots next season, acknowledged the need to improve his outings. “I think I need to do a better job,” he said. “Especially, that first inning set the tone, but I feel like I competed well through it. But my job is to limit the damage and go out there and keep competing.”

This season, Tong has struggled to find consistency, posting a 4.21 ERA across six appearances. Since being recalled from Triple-A Syracuse earlier this month, he has made three starts, recording a 4.60 ERA. His most recent outing prior to Sunday was markedly better, delivering six scoreless innings against the Baltimore Orioles.

Interim Mets manager Andy Green indicated that Tong’s performance was not far off from expectations. “I don’t think he was far off today,” Green said. He also praised the improvement in Tong’s changeup, noting it has been an effective pitch since his return.

Tong faces competition for a rotation spot from fellow young pitchers Nolan McLean, Christian Scott, and Zac Thornton, all of whom have demonstrated enough promise to be in consideration for the starting staff next season.

As the Mets continue to evaluate their pitching options, Tong’s development and ability to maintain control in early innings will be critical to securing a more permanent role. His experience in Sunday’s game underscores the challenges rookies often face in adjusting to major league competition and the importance of consistency at the highest level.