Addison Russell was placed on administrative leave Friday by MLB after his ex-wife Melisa Reidy posted a blog detailing emotional, verbal and physical abuse during their marriage. According to Gordon Wittenmyer of the Chicago Sun-Times, Russell isn’t expected to play again this season for the Cubs.
MLB first began an investigation in 2017, when a friend of Melisa accused Russell of domestic violence in comments made on an Instagram post. Following Melisa’s blog post this past week, Russell has been removed from the Cubs for at least seven days and although his future status with the team is unknown at the moment it appears as though he won’t be playing again this year.
Via the Chicago Sun-Times.
Cubs shortstop Addison Russell isn’t expected to play again this season as Major League Baseball renews its investigation into domestic-violence accusations in the wake of a blog post this week by his ex-wife.
The following is MLB’s statement from Friday.
MLB's statement on Addison Russell being placed on administrative leave: pic.twitter.com/CHKcZbGXM7
— Bleacher Nation (@BleacherNation) September 21, 2018
The Cubs also released a statement after Russell was placed on the seven-day leave, which can be extended at any time.
The league has placed Addison Russell on administrative leave, and the Cubs released this statement: pic.twitter.com/1WoWDsLA3D
— Bleacher Nation (@BleacherNation) September 21, 2018
Late on Friday, Russell released a statement of his own through the MLBPA, denying the allegations.
The Major League Baseball Players Association is releasing the following statement on behalf of Addison Russell pic.twitter.com/lQkp8GMdN0
— MLBPA Communications (@MLBPA_News) September 22, 2018
Before Saturday’s game against the White Sox, the Cubs added backup infielder Mike Freeman to the roster.
The #Cubs today selected the contract of INF Mike Freeman from @IowaCubs. pic.twitter.com/HWaBxDcOCA
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) September 22, 2018
Freeman slashed .275/.331/.399, in 82 games down in the minors this year, 78 coming at Triple-A, with the Iowa Cubs. He was called up by the Cubs last season and played in 15 games, going 4-for-25, in limited time.
