On Thursday, Cleveland Guardians manager Terry Francona was back with the team in the visitor’s office at Kauffman Stadium after being briefly hospitalized two days prior. However, due to the expected triple-digit temperatures for the game against the Kansas City Royals, Francona decided to sit out his third consecutive game at the urging of Guardians general manager Mike Chernoff.
Bench coach DeMarlo Hale took charge of on-the-field duties, having already led the Guardians to victories in the first two games of the series.
The decision for Francona to sit out was primarily influenced by the extreme weather conditions, with the team considering his well-being. Chernoff even contemplated having Francona take additional time off in Chicago due to potential air quality concerns caused by the Canadian wildfires.
Francona was hospitalized on Tuesday night before the game due to lightheadedness. However, he was discharged from The University of Kansas Health System the following day after tests showed normal results. Although he was advised by physicians to stay away from the ballpark and rest, he was reported to be doing much better.
The Guardians entered the day half a game ahead of the Minnesota Twins in the AL Central division. After finishing the series in Kansas City, they have three games against the Chicago Cubs before a seven-game homestand leading up to the All-Star break.
Francona has experienced significant health issues over the past few years. In 2017, he underwent a heart procedure during the All-Star break and was unable to manage the AL All-Star team. In the 2020 season, shortened due to the pandemic, Francona managed only 14 games because of gastrointestinal problems. In 2021, he had hip replacement surgery and also dealt with a staph infection in his toe, causing him to miss the second half of the season.
Despite his contract expiring after the 2020 season, Francona has an agreement to remain with the Guardians for as long as he desires.
Given Francona’s medical history, the team is always cautious and prioritizes his well-being. Chernoff, who flew to Kansas City after Francona’s hospitalization, may continue to accompany the team to Chicago. The Guardians are thankful that Francona’s current health issue seems to be less serious.
Photo credit – Arturo Pardavila III / Wikimedia Commons / Cleveland, OH
