On February 9, Major League Baseball suspended former New York Mets general manager Billy Eppler for manipulation of injured list rules.
However, a new development in the Eppler case was revealed on Friday, which may explain how MLB investigated the issue quickly.
Jon Heyman of the New York Post wrote that an anonymous employee in the Mets organization gave MLB evidence against Eppler that was concrete, damning, and clear as crystal.
"Eppler’s injury-related records were turned in by a whistleblower, believed to be a Mets employee, and while exaggerating or even faking injuries to keep them from leaving is a prevalent practice, the evidence doesn’t usually wind up on Rob Manfred’s desk," Heyman reported. "Eppler, when confronted by MLB with the allegation of exaggerating/faking injuries, readily admitted it."
Heyman also revealed that Eppler "cooperated fully" with MLB in his only statement, as he thought his actions were standard practice by several other teams. Eppler can also apply for early reinstatement from his suspension, which is set to last the entire 2024 season; his transparency with MLB during the investigation may help his case here.
Nonetheless, some players were surprised by Eppler's punishment.
"It's crazy Billy got singled out," former Mets pitcher Tommy Hunter told the New York Post. "It’s kind of mind-blowing. I had multiple back [issues] and no one from MLB talked to me. I don’t know what their strategy was. It’s no secret what goes on [with the phantom IL], so to go after one person seems unfair.
“I feel bad for Billy. … He didn’t do anything different than any other GM I’ve been around," Hunter said.
Eppler served two seasons of a four-year contract as Mets GM before his resignation on October 5, 2023. The Mets have yet to hire a formal general manager, although David Stearns is now fully in control as president of baseball operations.
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