The suspension of Billy Eppler came as a huge surprise for the baseball world. While the concept of the “Phantom Injury List” isn’t new, this is the first time someone has been punished for it. As a result, the former New York Mets GM has become a part of history, albeit it is the one he wishes he didn’t become a part of. While Eppler is suspended  through the 2024 World Series, there’s general confusion regarding whether he can come back earlier or not.

It isn’t surprising that the fans have queries regarding this situation. After all, this is an unprecedented situation that could be signaling the league becoming stricter in creating a rules-based competition.

Billy Epper – the unlucky one?

MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred shocked the baseball world when he announced the one-season suspension of Eppler. With a whistleblower in the Mets organization giving strong evidence of Eppler fabricating injuries to use the injury list, a punishment had become inevitable. However, in the statement that MLB released, Eppler was given an option to apply for reinstatement.

According to MLB’s press release, “Mr. Eppler will be removed from the Ineligible List following completion of the 2024 World Series unless the Commissioner grants an application to reinstate him earlier.” So as it stands, Eppler could get some relaxation from this sentence if the Commissioner deems it fit.

Another important question that has arisen is – will Billy Eppler lose any salary because of this suspension? The answer is negative. Eppler currently isn’t employed by any franchise and he had already resigned from the Mets on October 5, 2023. As a result, Eppler has been paid in full for the remainder of his contract, which ran through the 2025 season. 

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So, as it stands, Eppler has the right to apply for early reinstatement. This suspension reminds one of the last time the league took such a drastic step.

Instances from the past: MLB can be strict but forgiving 

Eppler’s suspension is the biggest one since 2020. That year, MLB suspended the Houston Astros GM Jeff Luhnow and manager A. J. Hinch for the whole season because of their role in the sign-stealing fiasco of the Astros. The team served a $5 million fine and lost its four draft picks.

Before that, in 2017, MLB banned the then-Atlanta Braves GM John Coppolella for life for major infractions committed in the international free-agent market. Coppolella served this punishment until his reinstatement in January 2023. So clearly, there is a precedent of reinstatement. Time will tell if it’ll exercised for Billy Eppler or not.

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