By Nina Mandell
DNAinfo Reporter/Producer
MANHATTAN — New York Mets star Francisco "K-Rod" Rodriguez made a brief appearance in court Thursday, where his lawyer told the judge that the pitcher is considering a plea deal and taking anger management classes, according to reports.
The Mets closer was charged with assault in August after he allegedly punched his longtime girlfriend's father, Carlos Pena, 53, in the face after a Mets game at Citi Field.
Rodriguez is also charged with violating a restraining order that bars him from contacting his girlfriend, Daian Pena, and her family. The star closer allegedly sent several text messages to Pena.
On Thursday, the judge extended the pitcher's restraining order through March, ESPN New York reported.
Booth said he hoped to have a plea deal in place the next time Rodriguez appears in court, which is currently scheduled for Nov. 10, according to ESPN.
Since the arrest, the Mets have converted Rodriguez's contract to non-guaranteed, giving the team the option to release the pitcher in the early part of 2011's spring training for 30 days' termination pay, the Associated Press reported.
The Major League Baseball Players Association filed a grievance against the Mets regarding the matter, which will be heard by an arbitrator Oct. 18, according to the AP.
