CHICAGO -- Addison Russell was back in the Cubs' clubhouse on Friday after spending Thursday away from the team for the series opener against the Rockies.
Major League Baseball is currently looking into allegations of domestic violence made against the shortstop via social media on Wednesday. In a statement, Russell refuted those allegations.
"I didn't show up yesterday. I was watching the game on TV. I felt sad," Russell said. "This is what I do, this is what I love. I love being here in this clubhouse with the boys, having fun. This is my home."
While Russell did not start, he said Friday he was available to play moving forward. He also said he would let his previous statement stand. Russell also denied that his struggles this season -- he's hitting .153 since the start of May -- are related to anything happening off the field.
"No, no. There's periods of times where if you're struggling, you're scuffling. And sometimes you'll stink," Russell said. "I know that being young in the Major Leagues is going to come with a lot of adversity, but you know I'm here for a reason. It's because I'm good."
Cubs manager Joe Maddon said he would check in with Russell later, noting he heard he had a good session in the cages, and he said he will likely use Russell if the situation calls for him. In the meantime, Javier Baez started at shortstop against the Rockies.