Mets GM Brodie Van Wagenen accused of giving manager orders during games
New York Mets GM Brodie Van Wagenen is being accused of giving orders to manager Mickey Callaway during the team’s games, which would be a violation of MLB rules, though the GM denies the charges.
Amid the drama going on with the Mets, which included Callaway and Jason Vargas going after a reporter on Sunday, new allegations have been levied against the team.
Yahoo’s Matt Ehalt reported on Monday night that Van Wagenen has texted orders to his coaching staff during games, including one to remove Jacob deGrom from a start at Arizona on June 1. DeGrom left with a 4-1 lead and the team lost 6-5.
Sources confirms that Mets GM Brodie Van Wagenen has acted during games, texting to staffers, including to remove Jacob deGrom during that Arizona start earlier this year in which he left early.
It's happened more than once.
— Matt Ehalt (@MattEhalt) June 25, 2019
After Monday’s 13-7 loss to the Phillies, Van Wagenen denied giving orders like that.
"But as far as performance-driven decisions in-game, that's Mickey's call and the coaching staff's call."
— Matt Ehalt (@MattEhalt) June 25, 2019
Callaway also weighed in.
Mickey on the deGrom game: "I think we got information from all parties and we made a decision to take care of our ace pitcher who's going to be here a long time. We all thought it was prudent to do."
— Matt Ehalt (@MattEhalt) June 25, 2019
The latest charge comes a month after a report said the team’s owners were meddling with the manager’s decisions. If both reports are true, it would be no wonder Callaway is having such a hard time on the job.
The Mets are 37-42, with some believing they are underachieving this season.
