NEW YORK — Mets closer Francisco Rodriguez was arrested at Citi Field after Wednesday night’s 6-2 loss to the Rockies for assaulting a man believed to be his father-in-law, police said.
Rodriguez, 28, will be charged with third-degree assault, Lt. Mike Wysokowski said.
“He was arrested at 10:15 after a domestic dispute in the family area with what appeared to be his father-in-law,” Wysokowski said. “The victim suffered facial abrasions and was taken to Flushing Hospital.”
Third-degree assault is a Class-A misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in jail.
Utley cleared to hit
PHILADELPHIA — Phillies second baseman Chase Utley has been cleared to start hitting, six weeks after surgery on his right thumb.
Assistant general manager Scott Proefrock said the news is encouraging, but the team is sticking to its original timetable for Utley’s return. When the five-time all-star had surgery July 1, he was expected to miss at least eight weeks
• First baseman Ross Gload is out because of a strained right groin. He will be re-evaluated today.
Footnotes.
The MLB ownership committee and executive council each unanimously approved the sale of the Rangers to a group led by Hall of Famer Nolan Ryan at the quarterly owners’ meetings. All that remains for the $590 million sale to be completed is a final vote of all teams today, which appears to be a formality.
• The Giants acquired infielder Mike Fontenot from the Cubs for speedy Single-A center fielder Evan Crawford.
• Marlins outfielder Chris Coghlan underwent left knee surgery, and is beginning rehabilitation after being hurt during a victory celebration.
• Outfielder Andruw Jones (back) was scratched from the White Sox lineup against the Twins, while Gordon Beckham returned after missing two games because of a strained groin.
Denver Post wire services
