Watch: Sandy Alderson Steps Down Due to Cancer Recurrence

Mets COO Jeff Wilpon announced Tuesday during a press conference that general manager Sandy Alderson will take an immediate leave of absence due to health issues.

In his place, assistant general manager John Ricco will take his place and will be helped by J.P. Ricciardi and former Mets general manager Omar Minaya.

Alderson, 70, was diagnosed with cancer at the end of 2015 and underwent treatment, but experienced a recurrence of the cancer in April.

Last time Alderson took a leave of absence, he was involved in the decision making. However, he said Tuesday that it was under different circumstances, and this time he will not be involved in calling the shots.

The eight year Mets general manager will undergo surgery later this year, but says his prognosis to recover from a relapse of cancer is good.

In regards to the team, Alderson said he believes they will right the ship and be able to get back on track.

“I feel badly that we’ve had the season that we’ve had to date,” Alderson said. “I feel personally responsible for the results we’ve had.”

Alderson added that Ricco, Ricciardi and Minaya will take a hard and fresh look at the team and where to go from here.

“With respect to the future,” Alderson said, “I would say two things: One is that notwithstanding the good prognosis, my health is an uncertainty going forward. Secondly, if I were to look at it on the merits, I’m not sure that coming back is warranted.”

Manager Mickey Callaway fought back tears while discussing his relationship with Alderson: “Knowing Alderson and what he’s going through… He’s a bad-ass Marine. That’s all I can say.”

We here at MetsMerized send our well wishes to Alderson and his family and hope for a speedy recovery.