The Mets fined Mickey Callaway and Jason Vargas an undisclosed amount following a postgame clubhouse incident with Newsday's Tim Healey on Sunday after the Mets' loss to the Cubs at Wrigley Field.
General manager Brodie Van Wagenen announced the punishment for the manager and pitcher in Philadelphia ahead of the opener of the Mets' series against the Phillies on Monday.
"The altercation was disappointing," Van Wagenen said. "It was regrettable on many levels."
The team apologized to Healey on Sunday evening after Jason Vargas physically threatened Healey and Callaway, with a few choice words, told the Mets' PR staff to remove the reporter from the visiting clubhouse.
"I think that the players recognize their role in the events," Van Wagenen said. "They understood where their behaviors could and should have been different."
"My confidence remains the same that Mickey is capable of doing this job and we will support him in doing so," said Van Wagenen, who at multiple times this season has put his faith in Callaway.
Callaway, who didn't outright apologize publicly on Monday for his role in Sunday's incident, said that he and Healey spoke personally and they're "fine."
"I understand that I can't control the actions or words of others but I can always control my reactions to them," Callaway said.
Callaway added that "It was a misunderstanding, obviously ... I'm sure there was not malintent by either."
The Mets said they held a team meeting before Van Wagenen, Callaway and ace Jacob deGrom, acting as a player representative, addressed the media Monday.
"We'd like to keep that in-house, kind of what the meeting was about today," deGrom said.
Vargas was asked about the situation in the clubhouse on Monday before the game.
"I think everybody's aware of the situation that happened yesterday," Vargas said. "I think it's unfortunate for all parties, an unfortunate distraction. But tonight we got the Phillies to play. The team's addressed the situation. The organization has made a statement, and that's really all there is to it."
