Cubs' Addison Russell returns to Wrigley Field amid MLB probe

Chicago Cubs shortstop Addison Russell was back in the clubhouse on Friday, one day after denying an accusation of domestic violence against his wife.

Russell, who didn't play in Cubs' 5-3 loss to the Colorado Rockies,told reporters the social media posts that led to a Major League Baseball investigation of possible domestic violence between him and his wife made him "sad."

"I didn't show up yesterday. I was watching the game on TV. I felt sad, man," he 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."

The Cubs told Russell not to come to the ballpark for Thursday's game against the Rockies.

"We were anticipating that he would be back here today, although, we left it open," Cubs manager Joe Maddon said. "It's good to have him back. We had a great conversation and it seems to me, maybe mentally, he's in a little bit better place."

In a post on Instagram, Russell's wife, Melisa, accused her husband of cheating and implied that the couple was breaking up. A comment related to the post from someone Melisa Russell identifies as a close friend accused the player of physically abusing his wife.

Russell issued a statement on Thursday that said: "Any allegation I have abused my wife is false and hurtful. For the well-being of my family, I'll have no further comment."

ESPN's Bradford Doolittle contributed to this report.