Francisco Rodriguez and the Mets are nearing a settlement over the withholding of $3 million. The two sides had scheduled a grievance hearing brought by the players' association. Rodriguez appeared in one game after allegedly striking his girlfriend's father at Citi Field in August. Rodriguez then required season-ending surgery to repair a torn right thumb ligament, an injury the Mets maintain the closer admitted he suffered during the incident. Rodriguez is due to make $11.5 million next season. There is an option that vests for $17.5 million for 2012 if Rodriguez finishes 55 games next season and is healthy at season's end. Otherwise, the Mets would be responsible for a $3.5 million buyout.