Mets Improperly Used Injured List in 2022, ’23, per MLB
The executive resigned from his position last year.
MLB announced Friday it has suspended former New York Mets general manager Billy Eppler for the 2024 season for violating injured list rules.
Eppler will be placed on MLB’s ineligible list immediately and will remain there until the conclusion of the 2024 World Series.
“Mr. Eppler has been placed on the ineligible list beginning immediately for directing the following following pattern of conduct in violation of MLB’s rules: improper use of injured list placements, including 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,” MLB said in a statement.
Former Mets GM Billy Eppler has been suspended by MLB through the '24 World Series.
— Jayson Stark (@jaysonst) February 9, 2024
MLB says he "improperly" used the Injured List - including "deliberate fabrication of injuries." pic.twitter.com/IFczdOllL8
Eppler was the Mets general manager for 2022 and ’23, helping build a 101-win team in ’22 that earned the NL’s top wild-card spot. However, after a disappointing 2023 season, the Mets hired David Stearns as their president of baseball operations while Eppler resigned from his position as GM.
It was later reported that Eppler resigned in part due to this investigation.
“I cooperated fully and transparently with MLB's investigation, and I accept their decision,” Eppler said, via The New York Post’s Joel Sherman.
In a brief statement, the Mets said they consider the matter closed and will not comment any further on the investigation.
A robust statement from the Mets on Eppler pic.twitter.com/O5nU0UFG3s
— Chelsea Janes (@chelsea_janes) February 9, 2024
Eppler was previously the Angels’ general manager for six seasons, giving him a total of eight years as an MLB general manager.