Mets closer Francisco Rodriguez was charged yesterday with violating a restraining order filed against him by the mother of his children.
A Queens prosecutor said that Rodriguez sent 56 text messages to girlfriend, Daina Pena, between Aug. 19 and Sept. 7 after he was charged with assaulting her father at Citi Field.
Judge Richard Riciti denied motions to have Rodriguez remanded to jail, but warned that any further violation of the restraining order from either side would land them in jail.
Kessler read aloud several of the messages Rodriguez is believed to have written, some seeking reconciliation, others criticizing her parents.
A solemn Rodriguez, wearing a red polo shirt, jeans, loafers and sunglasses, sat in the back of the courtroom. The 28-year old right-hander did not talk to reporters. His lawyer, Christopher Booth, told reporters that Rodriguez “understands the seriousness” of the restraining order “and will not do it again.”
Rodriguez allegedly attacked Carlos Pena, 53, in the family room at Citi Field after the Mets’ 6-2 loss to Colorado on August 11. The organization announced two days later that Rodriguez had suffered a torn ligament in his right thumb that would need surgery, and he was done for the year.
