Mets clubhouse erupts with manager Mickey Callaway, pitcher Jason Vargas confronting reporter
New York Mets manager Mickey Callaway cursed at a reporter, and pitcher Jason Vargas had to be restrained from charging him during a confrontation in the clubhouse after a loss Sunday.
The dustup with Tim Healey of Newsday occurred after the Mets blew a late lead in a 5-3 defeat to the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field. Reporters asked repeatedly after the game about Callaway’s decision to stick with reliever Seth Lugo during the eighth inning instead of going to closer Edwin Diaz. Lugo allowed a go-ahead three-run homer to Javier Baez.
After the news conference, Callaway walked past Healey in the clubhouse. Healey said he would “see you tomorrow,” and Callaway called Healey an obscenity.
Vargas then stared down Healey and eventually tried to charge him. Players stepped in to restrain the left-hander. No punches were thrown.
Briefly: The Nationals released reliever Trevor Rosenthal, a 2015 All-Star who returned from Tommy John surgery. Rosenthal had a 22.74 ERA in 12 appearances. ... Braves pitcher Mike Foltynewicz, a 2018 All-Star, was sent to Triple-A Gwinnett. The right-hander is 2-5 with a 6.37 ERA. ... Among players placed on the injured list were Dodgers infielder David Freese (hamstring), Rays reliever Diego Castillo (shoulder) and Yankees outfielder Cameron Maybin (calf).