The stunning departure of Mets general manager Billy Eppler has taken another turn.
A source confirmed to the Daily News that Major League Baseball is looking into Eppler. The inquiry stemmed from injury list manipulation and has the potential to become a full-scale league investigation.
Eppler resigned as the Mets general manager Thursday afternoon with two years remaining on his contract. It was a stunning turn of events given that Eppler had become a trusted executive of owner Steve Cohen. David Stearns, the club’s new president of baseball operations, had talked to highly of Eppler only three days ago. The fact that the Mets kept him in the general manager role after a disastrous season seemed like a vote of confidence.
It’s not clear what constitutes IL manipulation in this specific case, but teams have long used “phantom” transactions to hold roster spots open for players who are struggling. It’s not uncommon for teams to place a player without options on the IL with a vague injury like inflammation or soreness in order to give them a break and avoid designating them for assignment.
Eppler, 48, announced his resignation in a statement sent by the Mets.
“I wanted David to have a clean slate and that meant me stepping down,” the San Diego native said. “I hope for nothing but the best for the entire Mets organization.”
Cohen also issued a comment.
“Billy Eppler led this team through a 101-win season and postseason berth last year and he will be missed,” Cohen said. “We accepted Billy’s resignation today as he decided it is in everyone’s best interest to fully hand over the leadership of Baseball Operations to David Stearns. On behalf of the Mets organization, we wish him all the best.”