Despite placing closer Francisco Rodriguez on the disqualified list, New York Mets GM Omar Minaya said that the team wants him back next season, according to Mike Battaglino of the New York Post.

Rodriguez was placed on the disqualified list on Tuesday due to the assault on his girlfriends’ father, Carlos Pena, last week. So what’s the difference between the disqualified list and the disabled list?  By using the disqualified list versus the disabled list, the Mets will not have to pay Rodriguez the $3 million he is owed for the rest of the season. Rodriguez will not be paid nor will he accrue Major League service time.

The Mets can reactivate Rodriguez “when we deem him able to perform services,” according to owner Jeff Wilpon, and “doctors are hopeful that he will be ready for spring training.”

Battaglino says,”A succesful conversion of the contract to non-guaranteed status would allow the Mets to cut Rodriguez before next season without owing him his remaining salary. The major-league players union likely will contest the maneuver.”

“The Mets’ actions are without basis and I expect the union will challenge them right away,” MLBPA chief Mike Weiner said.