Mets’ Hernandez Retreats a Little on Threat to File a Grievance, Says He’ll Play

Keith Hernandez of the New York Mets, one of seven players handed conditional drug suspensions by Commissioner Peter Ueberroth, says that one way or the other, he’ll be playing on opening day.

Backing off an earlier remark that he definitely would file a grievance of the penalty, Hernandez said Tuesday that he had not yet made up his mind.

“I feel like I’m being rushed,” said Hernandez, the Met first baseman who batted .309 with 91 RBIs last season. “I don’t want to be rushed.”

Under terms set down by Ueberroth, Hernandez may either sit out a one-year suspension or, if he wants to play, comply with three stipulations: (1) donate 10% of his salary to a local drug-related charity, (2) put in 100 hours of community service in each of the next two years and (3) submit to drug testing for the rest of his career.

Hernandez’s donation would amount to about $135,000.

“The union is getting information from the commissioner’s office,” Hernandez told the New York Daily News. “When all the information is in, I’ll make my decision. I want to see the facts.

“If I decide to file (a grievance), and that’s a big if , it would be settled by opening day.”