Francisco Rodriguez suspended for two games

The New York Mets suspended four-time All-Star reliever Francisco Rodriguez for two games Thursday after his arrest on suspicion of assaulting his 53-year-old father-in-law inside the Mets’ ballpark.

He was released without bail Thursday after his arraignment on misdemeanor charges of assault and harassment that could result in up to a year in jail, the Queens County District Attorney’s office said in a statement.

Rodriguez was taken into custody at Citi Field after Wednesday’s game.

Prosecutors said his wife, Daian Pena, witnessed the altercation in a hallway outside a room reserved for players’ families, reporting that Rodriguez asked her father to step out of the room and into the hall.

“She then observed the defendant pin her father against a wall and punch her father multiple times in the face and head,� the statement said.

The victim, Carlos Pena, was taken to a hospital, treated and released, police said. Prosecutors said he suffered bruising, swelling and abrasions to the head.

Rodriguez attempted to leave the ballpark in his white Lamborghini but was called back to the clubhouse where he was arrested, the New York Post reported.

“Ownership and the organization are very disappointed in Francisco’s inappropriate behavior and we take this matter very seriously,� Mets chief operating officer Jeff Wilpon said in a statement.

Braves’ Jones out for the season

Atlanta Braves third baseman Chipper Jones will miss the remainder of the season after tearing a ligament in his left knee, the team said Thursday.

Estimated time of recovery for surgery is about six months, but Jones, 38, told reporters Wednesday he would consider a comeback next season.

Cueto suspended for seven games

Cincinnati Reds pitcher Johnny Cueto has been suspended for seven games for his actions during a brawl with the St. Louis Cardinals, and both managers were suspended for two games.

Major League Baseball said Thursday that Cueto, who was shown kicking players during the brawl, Cardinals Manager Tony La Russa and Reds Manager Dusty Baker also were fined undisclosed amounts.

Rangers sale approved

Major League Baseball’s owners unanimously approved the sale of the Texas Rangers to a group including Hall of Fame pitcher Nolan Ryan.

U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Stacey Jernigan approved the $593-million sale at a hearing Aug. 5 after a 16-hour auction in a Fort Worth courthouse.