Mets Front Office Dictates In-Game Moves, Sources Say

Just when you thought that the last week has not been dysfunctional enough within the New York Mets organization, it somehow has become even more dysfunctional.

According to the New York Post and ESPN’s Buster Olney, “The New York Mets’ front office has dictated at least some pitching moves during games this season.”

According to Olney, the New York Post first took notice of the Mets’ front office control of games during a game on June 1 when Jacob deGrom was removed from a game while dealing with hip cramps. According to the Post, Brodie Van Wagenen, the Mets’ general manager, was watching the game on TV when he relayed an order to Mets manager Mickey Callaway to remove deGrom from the game in the 7th inning after making two previous mound visits. Callaway claims that the decision to remove deGrom was mutual.

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When asked about Van Wagenen’s influence around decisions made on the field during games, Callaway said, “I think we’re always in communication. Especially when guys are injured, obviously I’ve been filled in on what you’re talking about. When a guy gets injured on the field or when a guy is actively injured or has something going on, you know everybody is in communication with the training staff to take care of the players the best we can.” Callaway has downplayed the notion that Van Wagenen is directly controlling what is going on in games over him.

It has been a rough week overall for Callaway, who came under much scrutiny on Sunday for cursing at a reporter following questions regarding Callaway’s decisions on pitching changes. The Mets’ fined Callaway the next day and Callaway apologized to the reporter.

Who knows what the coming weeks and months will hold for the Mets. One thing that seems almost certain is that Callaway’s time as manager of the Mets is almost certainly up.

Article by Jason Hirsch

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