Apr 22, 2017; Baltimore, MD, USA; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Steven Wright (35) throws a pitch in the first inning against the Baltimore Orioles during a game at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Patrick McDermott-USA TODAY Sports

Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Steven Wright was arrested Friday at his home in Tennessee on a domestic assault charge.

Wright’s family released a statement through his lawyer, Alex Little, in which they claim Wright “got into a verbal argument” and “did not raise his hand at anyone during the incident.”

The Red Sox released a statement saying they are “aware of the incident” and that “the Red Sox take it very seriously.”

Wright, 33, is a knuckleballer that had a very productive season in 2016 for the Red Sox (3.33 ERA in 156 2/3 innings over 24 starts), before only making five starts in 2017 — and struggling badly with an 8.25 ERA — due to knee issues that forced surgery in May.

The right-hander has been expected to compete for Boston’s fifth spot in the starting rotation for 2018, but obviously this news can’t help his chances. He could also be suspended under MLB’s domestic violence policy that was put into place in 2015.

[NBC Sports Boston]

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