LEADING OFF: Russell’s ‘serious allegation,’ Pedroia returns
A look at what’s happening all around the majors Friday:
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RUSSELL DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ALLEGATIONS
It’s unclear when All-Star shortstop Addison Russell will return to the Chicago Cubs amid domestic violence allegations. His wife, Melisa, posted a photo Wednesday on Instagram with a caption suggesting he was unfaithful to her. In another post, a user named (at)carlierreed – described by Melisa as a close friend – accused Russell of ”mentally and physically abusing her.” The posts have been deleted.
The Cubs told Russell not to come to the ballpark Thursday for a game against the Rockies. Russell issued a statement saying the allegations were ”false and hurtful,” while Cubs president of baseball operations Theo Epstein called it ”a very serious allegation” and ”something we had to deal with immediately.” Epstein was not sure when Russell will…