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Mets' Vargas threatens reporter: 'I'll knock you the f--- out, bro'

Mike Stobe / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Warning: Story contains coarse language

New York Mets left-hander Jason Vargas had to be restrained from charging a reporter, according to the New York Post's Mike Puma. Puma identified the reporter as Newsday's Tim Healey.

Vargas engaged in a shouting match with a Newsday reporter following a staredown, at one point telling him "I'll knock you the fuck out, bro," according to Yahoo Sports' Matt Ehalt. He then charged at the reporter and had to be held back by teammates, including Carlos Gomez and Noah Syndergaard.

The starting pitcher could face discipline from MLB, as threats made toward members of the media are punishable by fine or suspension, according to The New York Times' James Wagner.

The incident started when Mets manager Mickey Callaway cursed out the reporter after he told Callaway, "See you tomorrow, Mickey," according to Ehalt.

Callaway told the team's public relations staff to "get this motherfucker" out of the clubhouse, according to Puma. Vargas then confronted the reporter after he declined to leave.

The team will address the incident Monday, as general manager Brodie Van Wagenen is expected to be in Philadelphia when the team takes on the Phillies, Tim Britton of The Athletic reports. The club also issued a brief statement of apology Sunday evening.

Sunday's fracas adds to what's been a tumultuous season in Queens. Pitching coach Dave Eiland was fired Thursday in favor of 82-year-old Phil Regan, while slugger Yoenis Cespedes underwent season-ending surgery on a broken ankle after suffering a freak accident on his ranch last month.

In addition, speculation about Callaway's job safety has swirled throughout the campaign, with the team struggling to live up to expectations following several high-profile offseason moves.

The Mets (37-41) sit in fourth place in the NL East, nine games behind the division-leading Atlanta Braves.

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