K-Rod spat with bullpen coach reported

NEW YORK - The Mets acknowledged yesterday that closer Francisco Rodriguez and bullpen coach Randy Niemann had an argument during a game last weekend, but New York manager Jerry Manuel said the matter was resolved.

Manuel confirmed that Rodriguez and Niemann got into a spat Sunday night while K-Rod was preparing to enter a game against the New York Yankees. It's unclear what the dispute was about.

"I guess they had a disagreement and by the time it got to me Randy said there was no issues after that and it was resolved," Manuel said before his team opened a three-game series against the Phillies. "I mean, you're going to have some issues in the bullpen or in the dugout, whatever. But I don't see that as an issue at this point."

The New York Times reported that Rodriguez and Niemann had a heated exchange in the bullpen during the ninth inning and had to be separated by other pitchers.

Rodriguez said the report was false, but refused to comment any further. Niemann told reporters the disagreement never got physical and the matter was over.

"When it got to me it was resolved, so I'll leave it at that," Manuel said.

K-Rod struck out Alex Rodriguez with runners at the corners to save the Mets' 6-4 victory Sunday.