Cubs pitcher Carlos Marmol denies abuse

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CHICAGO, Feb. 1 (UPI) -- A lawyer for Chicago Cubs pitcher Carlos Marmol said the player is filing a counter complaint against a Dominican woman who accused him of abuse.

Miledys Mejia Cepeda filed a criminal complaint Wednesday against the Cubs' closer, alleging he kidnapped and assaulted her while they were attending a festival Oct. 28 in Sonador, about 100 miles northwest of Dominican capital Santo Domingo, the Chicago Tribune reported Friday.

Nelson Pimentel, an attorney for Marmol, said he is filing a counter complaint accusing Cepeda of attempted extortion and blackmail.

A hearing is scheduled for Feb. 8, three days before the scheduled start of the Cubs' spring training in Arizona. Pimentel said he is confident his client, who has been training in Sonador, will be able to join the team.

Marmol was 3-3 with 20 saves and an ERA of 3.42 in 61 appearances for the Cubs in 2012. He is 21-28 with 115 saves and an ERA of 3.38 for his MLB career.