Francisco Rodriguez pleads guilty

NEW YORK -- Mets closer Francisco Rodriguez has pleaded guilty to attempted assault after being accused of hitting his girlfriend's father at Citi Field. The pitcher must keep taking anger management classes to avoid jail time.
The 28-year-old reliever pleaded guilty Friday in Queens.
He was accused of hitting Carlos Pena in the face near the ballpark's family lounge after an Aug. 11 game. He tore a thumb ligament in his pitching hand and underwent season-ending surgery.
Rodriguez also pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct. He sent dozens of text messages to his girlfriend, Daian Pena, after a judge ordered him not to contact her.
Rodriguez must enroll in a 52-session batterer intervention/anger management program, pay a $1,000 fine and $14,044.65 in restitution.
Rodriguez had no comment when he left the courtroom.
His attorney, Christopher Booth, said: "Mr. Rodriguez is very remorseful and he's glad to put this behind him."