Cardinals investigating allegations against Martinez

The St. Louis Cardinals are conducting an investigation to determine whether a lawsuit against starter Carlos Martinez could warrant a response in relation to MLB's domestic violence policy.

The news comes after St. Louis gave Martinez permission to step away from the team Friday to deal with a personal issue in Florida.

"We are just learning of this matter. I was notified by Carlos' agent the other night," Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak told reporters Saturday. "We will not be in a position to act until we have more information."

According to the lawsuit, a woman involved with Martinez in an on-again, off-again relationship since 2012 is suing the pitcher for battery, negligent transmission of sexually transmitted diseases, and fraud. She reportedly seeks damages in excess of $1.5 million.

Martinez's lawyer has already denounced the allegations as "100 percent false."

The 24-year-old is 4-0 in four starts this season with a 1.93 ERA.