Mets 'Angry' with Jason Vargas for Altercation with Reporter; Future in Doubt
June 27, 2019
The drama keeps on pouring out of the New York Mets clubhouse after starting pitcher Jason Vargas and manager Mickey Callaway had a verbal confrontation with Newsday reporter Tim Healey on Sunday.
On Thursday, an anonymous Mets official disclosed to Yahoo Sports' Wallace Matthews that there are still sour feelings toward Vargas internally.
"We're all angry with him," the official said. "Think he'll be here next year?" The official added there's a possibility Vargas won't be a Met come Aug. 1, and the incident "did not help" his standing with the organization.
The anger toward Vargas was likely fueled by the starting pitcher threatening to knock Healey "the f--k out" because, Matthews wrote, he "didn't like the look on his face."
Vargas then doubled down by telling reporters Wednesday, "I don't think all the information is really out there":
Vargas also met with reporters Monday and labeled what happened as "an unfortunate distraction" (h/t SNY). The club released a statement earlier Monday saying in part, "The Mets sincerely regret the incident that took place...The organization has reached out and apologized to this reporter."
The Mets' reported willingness to part ways with the 36-year-old southpaw speaks volumes considering their starting pitching staff can ill afford to lose a stable thrower. Vargas hasn't been stellar, but he has a 3-3 record and 3.66 ERA in 13 starts. For context, the only other starter with a sub-4.00 ERA is Jacob deGrom at 3.25.
On Wednesday, his first start since the dispute, Vargas struck out 10 across 6.1 innings.
Both Callaway and Vargas were fined for their actions. Callaway told reporters Tuesday that it was a "misunderstanding," and he has spoken privately with Healey.
The Mets have often been embroiled in turmoil so far this season, struggling to a 37-45 record.