In a major development for the world of baseball, former New York Mets general manager Billy Eppler has been suspended through the 2024 World Series by baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred. The suspension comes after an investigation revealed that Eppler directed team staff to fabricate injuries in order to create open roster spots.

According to Commissioner Manfred, Eppler was found responsible for the deliberate fabrication of injuries and the submission of false documentation to secure improper placement on the injured list during the 2022 and 2023 seasons. While the use of the so-called "phantom injured list" is believed to be a common practice in baseball, Eppler is the first to face disciplinary action for his involvement in such activities.

Eppler, who resigned from his position with the Mets last fall, expressed his cooperation with MLB's investigation and acceptance of their decision in a statement. Despite the suspension, he will not lose any salary as the Mets honored the remainder of his contract, which was originally set to run through the 2025 season.

The investigation revealed that Eppler's conduct involved approximately seven players, although their identities have not been publicly disclosed. However, MLB clarified that the pattern of misconduct was solely directed by Eppler and did not involve club ownership or superiors.

As a result of the suspension, Eppler will be prohibited from taking any job with another team until he is reinstated. However, there is a possibility for early reinstatement, which Eppler can apply for according to MLB.

It is important to note that no other Mets personnel were disciplined by the commissioner's office in connection with this investigation.

The use of the injured list for non-genuine injuries poses an economic incentive for players, as they receive compensation based on their contract terms while on the list. The investigation found that players with split contracts, where salaries differ between the major and minor leagues, would receive a minimum of $3,978 per day while on the big league injured list in 2023.

Billy Eppler, 48, had a significant career in baseball management before his tenure with the Mets, having previously served as an assistant general manager for the New York Yankees and as the general manager of the Los Angeles Angels.

MLB's decision to suspend Eppler marks one of the sport's most significant disciplinary actions since the suspension of Houston Astros' manager A.J. Hinch and general manager Jeff Luhnow in 2020 for their involvement in the sign-stealing scandal. The Astros were fined $5 million and forfeited multiple draft picks as a result.

The New York Mets have declared the matter closed and declined to make any further comment on Eppler's suspension.

This suspension serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining integrity in the game of baseball and the consequences that individuals may face for violating rules and manipulating team rosters.