Ivan Rodriguez Near Return

Texas catcher Ivan Rodriguez, who has been on the disabled list seven weeks because of a herniated disk in his back, began a rehabilitation assignment Sunday at Class A Port Charlotte.

Rodriguez caught four innings and struck out in his only at-bat Sunday against the Vero Beach Dodgers. The 10-time All-Star said he didn’t have any problems with his back.

Rodriguez is expected to play four more games at Port Charlotte and could rejoin the Rangers on Friday when they open a three-game interleague series against Atlanta. He’s been out since April 15.

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Umpire Ed Rapuano said Sunday he accidentally bumped shoulders with Bobby Valentine, prompting the heated exchange that led to the ejection of the New York Met manager from Saturday night’s game at Florida.

The contact occurred after catcher Mike Piazza had already been ejected for arguing with plate umpire Mark Wegner.

“We both turned in the same direction when I was walking away and happened to bump shoulders,” Rapuano said.

“There was no reason or intent for me to do so.

“Bobby made a comment after the bumping incident. That’s when I ejected him.”

Rapuano declined to say what Valentine said as they stood nose to nose shouting.

After the game, Valentine complained about Rapuano’s attitude and said the umpire had lingering hard feelings about an argument with the Mets during a game a week ago.

“What is this, the Gestapo?” Valentine said.

“Bobby has his opinion,” said Rapuano, who has been a major league umpire for 12 years. “I’ve never had the reputation of being like that. I’m just trying to keep the peace.”