Former Angels GM Banned for Violating Injured List Rules

He now finds himself suspended for the entire 2024 season.

Former Los Angeles Angels general manager Billy Eppler has been banned for the 2024 season for violating the league's Injured List rules. Eppler stepped down as general manager of the New York Mets in October 2023 while under investigation for the violations. 

https://t.co/b4UDo6rRdB our story on Eppler’s punishment

— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) February 9, 2024

Eppler was the general manager of the Angels from 2015-2020 and was instrumental in the team landing two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani. He will now be placed on the Ineligible List through the end of the 2024 World Series.

"Commissioner Rob Manfred announced that former Mets general manager Billy Eppler has been placed on the Ineligible List through the conclusion of the 2024 World Series for violation of Injured List rules. MLB sent out a release in which it said its Department of Investigation conducted interviews with more than three dozen individuals and that Eppler and the Mets fully cooperated with the process."

Per Joel Sherman of The New York Post

Eppler spent two years as the general manager for New York, helping them reach the postseason in the 2022 season. However, everything crumbled in 2023 for the team.

They failed to make the postseason despite having a high payroll, leading to one of the more disappointing years in franchise history. 

From Billy Eppler:

“I cooperated fully and transparently with MLB's investigation, and I accept their decision.”

— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) February 9, 2024

This incident seems to only be about Eppler and that he acted alone without ownership. Fabricating injuries is strictly forbidden under the league's policies, as it allows teams to keep players under team control instead of possibly losing them to opposing teams. 

Investigation found Eppler fabricated injuries (presumably to gain some roster edge) https://t.co/HJk2YYLMCG

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) February 9, 2024

This is a serious offense against Eppler, and it's not a great look for the former Angels front office member. He was supposed to bring stability to the Merts after he left the Halos, but he now finds himself in a mess of trouble.