New York Mets manager Mickey Callaway and starting pitcher Jason Vargas have both been fined for Sunday’s clubhouse incident.
The verdict is in on New York Mets manager Mickey Callaway and pitcher Jason Vargas.
After Sunday’s incident in which Callaway and Vargas both got into altercations with Tim Healey of Newsday, it was unclear how the organization would discipline either of them. After a 5-3 loss to the Chicago Cubs in which another bad bullpen-related decision was made, Callaway was not in the mood when Healey said: “see you tomorrow Mickey.” Callaway thought this was sarcasm, and unleashed a profanity-laced tirade before asking for Healey to be removed from the clubhouse.
A staredown then occurred between Healey and Vargas, which led Vargas to threaten Healey before being held back in a standoff. Later on, the Mets released a statement, evidently apologizing to Healey.
And now, the Mets organization will fine but not suspend both Callaway and Vargas, per Anthony DiComo of MLB.com.
BREAKING: The Mets are fining both Mickey Callaway and Jason Vargas for their roles in last night's clubhouse altercation, but issuing no suspensions, according to general manager Brodie Van Wagenen.
Van Wagenen called the altercation "disappointing" and "regrettable."
— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) June 24, 2019
Vargas addressed the media about the incident ahead of Monday night’s game against the Philadelphia Phillies. He called the altercation a “distraction” and “unfortunate for all parties” but didn’t exactly apologize for what had happened.
This is the full extent of Jason Vargas' comments regarding last night's altercation. He walked away without taking questions. pic.twitter.com/BDtecM9Ik5
— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) June 24, 2019
Callaway also addressed the media on Monday, but he refused to publicly apologize for the incident despite being given multiple opportunities by reporters.
“I don’t think one side of the story needs to be said over another,” Callaway said, per Danny Abriano of SNY. “It’s unfortunate that it’s a distraction. I don’t need to tell my side. That doesn’t help me in any way. It was a misunderstanding, obviously, for things like that to happen it’s always a misunderstanding. I’m sure there was no mal-intent by either. It’s something that happened and we have to move forward.”
But after his initial statements, he “got some feedback” and came back out to talk to reporters. This was highly unusual and it was clear that Callaway was told to go back out there and apologize.
Here is Mickey Callaway's readdress of his address. He now says he apologized to the reporter he accosted at Wrigley Field, and regrets his actions. He did not take further questions. pic.twitter.com/v8vhoV66Kg
— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) June 24, 2019
The Mets finish out their 11-game road trip with this final four-game series against the Phillies. The first of the four games is Monday night at 7:05 p.m. at Citizens Bank Park, as Steven Matz takes the mound for New York.
