HOUSTON — The Mets on Tuesday night announced they placed closer Francisco Rodriguez on the disqualified list “for conduct in violation of the uniform player’s contract,” which essentially means he is indefinitely suspended without pay until he is physically and mentally ready to pitch.
The Mets did not attempt to void Rodriguez’s contract. But they did retain the right to cut the pitcher without paying him a cent of the approximately $18 million he is owed. However, MLB Players Association executive director Michael Weiner said the Mets will be in for a fight from the union, which will try to have the entire punishment overturned by baseball’s arbitrator. Rodriguez had season-ending surgery Tuesday to repair a torn thumb ligament.
Team executive Jeff Wilpon said Rodriguez told the Mets’ trainer the injury occurred during the Aug. 11 incident at Citi Field in which Rodriguez was arrested in the alleged assault of his fiancee’s father.
“There’s strong evidence and there’s witnesses,” Wilpon said, “and he told our trainer that’s when it happened.”
Pettitte not improving
NEW YORK — Yankees left- hander Andy Pettitte will back off his rehabilitation program of throwing from a mound because an MRI showed a “small persistent strain of the left groin.”
The team said he will continue to throw off flat ground but will not throw off a mound for a week.
Meanwhile, Alex Rodri- guez was out of the lineup for New York’s 6-2 victory over Detroit because of tightness in his left calf.
Footnotes.
The Phillies activated all-star second baseman Chase Utley less than seven weeks after he had thumb surgery and designated infielder-outfielder Greg Dobbs for assignment. Also, all-star first baseman Ryan Howard (ankle) is “getting close” to returning, manager Charlie Manuel said.
• Cardinals outfielder Colby Rasmus said he will miss at least a handful of games because of a strained right calf.
• Tigers second baseman Carlos Guillen is day to day because of a sore left knee.
• The Red Sox activated second baseman Dustin Pedroia (foot) and recalled outfielder Daniel Nava from Triple-A Pawtucket.
• Rangers third baseman Michael Young is day to day because of neck stiffness.
• Mariners outfielder Milton Bradley could miss the rest of the season after undergoing surgery to repair a lateral meniscus tear in his right knee.
Denver Post wire services
