Cleveland Indians manager Terry Francona is taking a leave of absence for the remainder of the season to focus on his health, the team announced Thursday.
Francona is expected to undergo hip and toe surgeries, according to The Athletic. Bench coach DeMarlo Hale will serve as the interim manager the rest of the way.
The 62-year-old Francona has dealt with health issues the last two seasons. He managed only 14 games in 2020 due to blood clots and other ailments, but returned to manage in all but four games in 2021.
Francona underwent surgery on his left big toe back in January to remove a staph infection. As a result, he’s been in a walking boot all season.
Terry Francona will step away from managerial duties for the remainder of the 2021 season to focus on his health and recovery.
DeMarlo Hale will assume managerial duties for the rest of the season. pic.twitter.com/wDO9xRVuya
— Cleveland Indians (@Indians) July 29, 2021
Francona, who is under contract for next season, is 723-568 in his tenure as Cleveland’s manager. Assuming he returns in 2022, he’ll need just five more wins to top Lou Boudreau for the most wins in franchise history.
We wish Francona our best and hope he’s able to make a full recovery.
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