MLB Investigating Addison Russell Allegations of Domestic Violence [UPDATE]

Melisa Russell, the wife of Chicago Cubs shortstop Addison Russell, claimed last night in a since-deleted Instagram post that her husband had cheated on her. She wrote in the caption, "Being free to be able to make your own choices for your own happiness beats being cheated on, lied to, & disrespected any day." In a comment on the post, a friend of Melisa's who has appeared in several pictures with both Russells alleged that he was "mentally & physically abusing her."

Replying to another user, she wrote:

According to Gordon Wittenmeyer of the Chicago Sun-Times, Major League Baseball is now investigating the matter, under its Joint Domestic Violence policy. The league hopes to interview both Melisa and her friend.

Under the policy, which was instituted in August 2015, the commissioner evaluates each matter on a case-by-case basis. There is no minimum or maximum punishment; it is at the sole discretion of the commissioner. Previously, Jose Reyes was suspended 51 games for assaulting his wife. Aroldis Chapman negotiated a 30-game suspension for assaulting his girlfriend. Most recently, Mets closer Juerys Familia was suspended 15 games after being arrested for simple assault on his wife.

According to the Sun-Times the Cubs also are looking into the allegation, but wouldn't comment further.

Update 5:20 PM: The Cubs have issued a statement on the matter and are holding Russell out of the lineup tonight "to allow him to work through this matter."

Russell has also released a statement in which he flatly denied the claims: "Any allegation I have abused my wife is false and hurtful. For the well-being of my family, I'll have no further comment."

[Chicago Sun-Times]