K-Rod welcomes his return to Citi Field
Francisco Rodriguez looks on after pitching in the ninth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citi Field. (Aug. 11, 2010) Credit: Getty
PHILADELPHIA -- Many Mets are returning to Citi Field for Friday's home opener seeking redemption. None has as personal a reason as Francisco Rodriguez.
K-Rod hasn't been back to his home ballpark since Aug. 15, when the Mets first learned he had injured his thumb while assaulting his girlfriend's father outside the Citi Field family room four days earlier.
The Mets suspended Rodriguez for the rest of the season and attempted to void his contract. The contract matter eventually was settled and Rodriguez pleaded guilty to attempted assault in December.
"It's been a while," Rodriguez said Thursday. "It's been a while. That's the day that I've been waiting for for a long time, to be back in my city, be back on that field."
How will he be received when he is introduced on that field? Rodriguez said it's something he's interested in finding out.
"It's a moment every one of us is waiting for," he said. "It never gets old. You're always going to have the butterflies. Especially for me. I've been waiting for eight months, nine months, to be able to get back on that field again and having a second opportunity to be wearing this uniform."
Rodriguez had two appearances in the Mets' first six games. He blew a save opportunity last Saturday in Miami, but the Mets came back to win. He also pitched a scoreless inning in the Mets' 10-7 loss here Wednesday night.
"It's still early, but we're looking good," he said. "We have to be consistent on a daily basis. It is going to be a long season. But remember, in this game, it's not how you start, it's how you finish."
