MLB to investigate Cubs’ Russell after domestic violence claim

Major League Baseball is investigating allegations of domestic violence levied against Chicago Cubs shortstop Addison Russell by a friend of his wife.

In a post on Instagram, Melisa Russell accused her husband of adultery on Wednesday and indicated she was exiting the relationship.

“Being free to be able to make your own choices,” she wrote in the since-deleted post, “beats being cheated on, lied to & disrespected any day. #herestonewbeginnings #onlygetsbetterfromhere.”

Carlie Reed, a friend, indicated that Addison Russell had abused his wife in a response to a comment on a photo.

“Hateful is cheating on your wife, mentally and physically abusing her,” Reed wrote. “Melisa didn’t want that out but I’ll say it. He hit her. In front of (children) Aiden and Mila. But let’s worry about Melisa being ‘hateful’ she was loyal, forgiving and kind and still is.”

MLB vice president Pat Courtney told USA Today Sports on Thursday that it “will look into the allegations.”

A Cubs official told the Chicago Sun-Times that the team is looking into the matter but would have no comment at this time. Russell was not at the ballpark for Thursday’s game against the Colorado Rockies.

Russell issued a statement Thursday afternoon denying the allegations.

“Any allegation I have abused my wife is false and hurtful,” Russell said in the statement. “For the well-being of my family, I’ll have no further comment.”

An All-Star last season, the 23-year-old Addison Russell is batting .209 with three homers and 19 RBIs in 2017.