Mets apologize after confrontation with reporter

CHICAGO — New York Mets supervisor Mickey Callaway cursed at a reporter, and pitcher Jason Vargas needed to be restrained from charging him throughout a confrontation within the workforce’s clubhouse after a loss Sunday.

The dustup with beat author Tim Healey of Newsday occurred after the Mets blew a late lead in a 5-Three defeat to the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Area. There was no bodily contact.

In a narrative revealed by Newsday on Sunday night time, Healey mentioned Mets chief working officer Jeff Wilpon referred to as him “to apologize on behalf of the group.”

The incident adopted a tense postgame information convention, when reporters requested Callaway repeatedly about his resolution to stay with reliever Seth Lugo throughout the eighth inning as a substitute of going to nearer Edwin Diaz. Lugo allowed a go-ahead, three-run homer to Javier Baez.

After the information convention, Callaway walked previous Healey and different reporters within the clubhouse. Healey advised Callaway he would “see you tomorrow,” and Callaway responded by calling Healey an obscenity. Callaway walked away after which returned, cursing at Healey once more and telling him to depart the clubhouse.

“I believed he was leaving for the day, so I mentioned, ‘See you tomorrow, Mickey,'” Healey mentioned. “After which he mentioned, ‘Do not be a smart-ass.’

“I attempted to inform him, I did not imply something by it,” Healey added. “I used to be simply saying, ‘I am going to see you tomorrow.’ After which he mentioned, ‘Get this man out of right here,’ and that obtained the eye of Jason Vargas.”

Vargas stared down Healey and finally tried to cost him. Gamers stepped in to restrain the veteran left-hander.

Healey left the clubhouse moments later. He mentioned Wilpon referred to as later within the night to apologize.

“He burdened the truth that I ought to really feel snug with the ability to do my job on the ballpark and that transferring ahead, there is no cause for me to really feel uncomfortable,” Healey mentioned. “I appreciated that sentiment from him, completely.”

The workforce additionally issued an announcement.

“The Mets sincerely remorse the incident that occurred with certainly one of our beat writers following right this moment’s recreation within the clubhouse,” the assertion mentioned. “We don’t condone this kind of habits from any worker. The group has reached out and apologized to this reporter and may have additional discussions internally with all concerned events.”

It has been a making an attempt season for the Mets following an aggressive offseason. The membership is 37-41.

New York is ready to open a four-game collection at Philadelphia on Monday.