Major League Baseball

PUNCH BOTTOM LINE: K-ROD TO RETURN $3.1M

Published Oct. 20, 2010 10:14 p.m. ET

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Francisco Rodriguez is $3.1 million lighter in the wallet, but he still has a guaranteed contract with the Mets.

The two sides finalized an agreement yesterday that calls for Rodriguez to forfeit the salary he would have earned for the final two months of 2010 in the aftermath of an alleged August scuffle between the Mets closer and the grandfather of his two children that left K-Rod with damaged ligaments in his right thumb and landed him on the restricted list.

The Mets initially sought to make Rodriguez's contract non-guaranteed for next season, but have backed off pursuing that action as part of the settlement with the Major League Baseball Players Association.

"We are pleased Frankie Rodriguez has accepted responsibility for his actions and their consequences," Mets COO Jeff Wilpon said. "We have been assured that he is taking steps to address the issues that led to the incident, and those efforts will continue."

In a statement, Rodriguez said it's only right that he is not paid for the time he missed. The righthander made one appearance after he was arrested on Aug. 11 and accused of punching 53-year-old Carlos Pena in the face at Citi Field in front of several teammates' family members.

"I am responsible for my injury that occurred as a result of this incident and prevented me from finishing the season with the Mets," Rodriguez said. "I do not feel it is right for me to take a salary for the period of time in which I could not contribute as a player as a result of my off-field actions.

"I want to put these issues behind me and behind the organization and its fans. I want my focus to be on my family, my team and being the best closer in baseball in 2011."

Rodriguez said he is undergoing anger management counseling and regrets his actions.

"I have worked hard since the incident to make myself a better person and member of this organization," Rodriguez said. "I feel that anger management counseling is undoubtedly making me a better person and a better father, and will make me a better teammate and member of this great organization."

Rodriguez is owed $11.5 million next season. His contract holds an option for 2012 - worth $17.5 million - that will vest if Rodriguez finishes 55 games next season. The buyout, if the option does not become guaranteed, is worth $3.5 million to Rodriguez. The Mets still could look to trade Rodriguez this winter, but it's clear he would prefer to stay.

"If they want to win, he's still one of the best closers in baseball," said Rodriguez's agent, Paul Kinzer.

Rodriguez, who was charged with assault in the incident, is due back in court next month. His attorney Christopher Booth hopes to have a plea deal in place by the Nov. 10 court date.

*** Blue Jays assistant GM Dana Brown interviews with the Mets today for the open general manager's spot.