The Mets have placed closer Francisco Rodriguez on the disqualified list and will try to remove guarantees from his remaining contract, yet Omar Minaya said Tuesday the team wants him back next season.
Rodriguez will not be paid nor accrue major-league service time while on the list, which can be for an indefinite time.
Rodriguez on Tuesday had successful surgery to repair a torn ligament in his thumb, an injury that occurred during an alleged assault of his girlfriend’s father at Citi Field last Wednesday.
After serving a two-game suspension handed down by the Mets, Rodriguez pitched an inning on Saturday but complained of pain in the thumb on Sunday and after surgery would not have been able to play again this season.
By using the disqualified list instead of the disabled list, the Mets will not have to pay Rodriguez the $3 million he is owed for the rest of the season.
The Mets can reactivate Rodriguez “when we deem him able to perform services,” according to owner Jeff Wilpon, and “doctors are hopeful that he will be ready for spring training.”
A succesful conversion of the contract to non-guaranteed status would allow the Mets to cut Rodriguez before next season without owing him his remaining salary. The major-league players union likely will contest the maneuver.
“The Mets’ actions are without basis and I expect the union will challenge them right away,” MLBPA chief Mike Weiner said.
Rodriguez is under contract for next season at $11.5 million. He has a $17.5 million option for 2012 that vests if he finishes 55 games next year and ends the season healthy and on the roster.
Minaya and Wilpon said Rodriguez is still in the Mets’ plans for 2011.
“Right now we do plan on bringing him back next year,” Minaya said during a conference call to announce the course of action. “Today we want him back. That being said, let’s see how this process goes.”
Rodriguez will not be paid until he is deemed able to perform his job again.
“He’s got to get himself healthy and part of that is anger management,” Wilpon said.
The 28-year-old reliever was arrested and charged with third-degree assault and second-degree harassment. He was released on his own recognizance and is due back in court Sept. 14.
The outcome of the case could allow the Mets to pursue further action regarding the contract based on moral terpitude.
Wilpon said Rodriguez told Mets trainers he injured the thumb in his confrontation with Carlos Pena, 53-year-old father of Daian Pena. Rodriguez and Pena have 1-year-old twins, a boy and a girl.
Minaya said he did not know of any incidents of violence involving Rodriguez before the Mets signed him to a three-year deal prior to the 2009 season.
The team recalled reliever Ryota Igarashi from Triple-A today to take Rodriguez’s roster spot.
With Joel Sherman; AP