Mets GM denies making in-game calls to dugout

PHILADELPHIA -- Mets general manager Brodie Van Wagenen clarified reports that he has dictated in-game moves to manager Mickey Callaway from afar, saying Monday that he’s communicated with Mets trainers regarding injured players during games, but never directly with Callaway -- and never for strategic reasons.

“No in-game decisions are ever called down to the dugout,” Van Wagenen said. “We’re not allowed to communicate with Mickey or his coaching staff during games, and we’re not doing that.”

While a source confirmed a New York Post report that Van Wagenen did have influence on Jacob deGrom’s early exit June 1 in Arizona, the Mets believed deGrom was suffering from an injury during that game. A member of the training staff came to the mound in the seventh inning to check on deGrom’s hip, which was cramping, and Callaway removed the right-hander at that point despite deGrom’s protestations.

“We got information from all parties, and we made the decision to take care of our ace pitcher that’s going to be here for a long time,” Callaway said. “We all thought it was prudent at that point.”

Asked if he believes he has full latitude to make in-game decisions, Callaway responded: “Yeah, I do. I do.”

“Anything that is health-related to a player’s status, we do communicate,” Van Wagenen said. “But as far as performance-driven decisions in game, that’s Mickey’s call and the coaching staff’s call.”