Commissioner Rob Manfred suspended former New York Mets general manager Billy Eppler until the conclusion of the 2024 World Series on Friday. Manfred determined that Eppler instructed the team to fabricate injuries in order to create available roster spots. Major League Baseball’s announcement did not mention any Mets medical or athletic training staff.
According to Manfred’s statement, Eppler directed “the deliberate fabrication of injuries” and submitted documentation to improperly place multiple players on the injured list during the 2022 and 2023 seasons.
Sources informed ESPN’s Jesse Rogers that the scheme involved fabricating injuries for as many as twelve players.
Billy Eppler, aged 48, served as the Mets’ general manager from November 2021 until his resignation on October 5, shortly after owner Steven Cohen hired David Stearns as president of baseball operations. Eppler stepped down on the same day MLB’s investigation became public.
Steven Cohen and former manager Buck Showalter were not implicated in Manfred’s public findings.
In response to MLB’s investigation conclusion, the Mets issued a statement: “The Mets have been informed of the conclusion of Major League Baseball’s investigation. 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.”
