Ex-Mets GM Eppler banned for fabricating injuries

Former New York Mets general manager Billy Eppler was suspended through the 2024 World Series on Friday by commissioner Rob Manfred, who concluded that he directed the team to fabricate injuries to create open roster spots.

No Mets medical or athletic training personnel were mentioned in the announcement by Major League Baseball.

Manfred said in a statement that Eppler directed “the deliberate fabrication of injuries; and the associated submission of documentation for the purposes of securing multiple improper injured list placements during the 2022 and 2023 seasons.”

The scheme involved fabricating injuries for up to a dozen players, sources told ESPN’s Jesse Rogers. Sources also said that an anonymous letter from within the organization tipped off MLB.

In a statement given to multiple media outlets, Eppler said he “cooperated fully and transparently with MLB’s investigation, and I accept their decision.”

Eppler, 48, was the Mets general manager from November 2021 until he quit Oct. 5, three days after owner Steven Cohen hired David Stearns as president of baseball operations. Eppler resigned the day MLB’s investigation became public.

Cohen and former manager Buck Showalter were not mentioned in the public findings of Manfred.

“The Mets have been informed of the conclusion of Major League Baseball’s investigation,” the team said in a statement. “With Billy Eppler’s resignation on October 5, 2023, and with David Stearns leading the Baseball Operations team, the Mets consider the matter closed and will have no further comment.”

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.