The Telegram (St. John's)

Francona has heart procedure, out of All Star Game

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Terry Francona’s heart, of all things, has kept him away from baseball.

Cleveland’s passionate and driven manager underwent a procedure Thursday to correct an irregular heartbeat that sidelined him for a few games and will prevent him from managing in the All-star Game next week.

The 58-year-old Francona had been experienci­ng dizziness, fatigue and a rapid heart rate for several weeks. He had a cardiac ablation at the Cleveland Clinic, where he continues to recover after being admitted Tuesday.

He is resting comfortabl­y and is expected to be discharged in a “day or two,’’ the Indians said Friday. The plan is for him to resume managing after the Allstar break.

Cleveland begins its unofficial second half of the season July 14 in Oakland to start a six-game trip.

Francona’s condition had been weighing on the Indians for weeks, even affecting their play. But now that doctors have pinpointed his problem and he’s been treated, those feelings have eased.

“Just happy it sounds like he’s got it figured out and taken care of,’’ All-star reliever Andrew Miller said. “That’s what we want, him to be healthy. He’s so generous with everything, whether it’s his time or his money or the way he treats people. Hopefully, he’s taking care of himself right now. Selfishly, we want him back. He’s a big part of the mood in the clubhouse and the way things go.’’

Francona was twice forced to leave in the middle of games last month after falling ill. He was admitted to the hospital this week after doctors detected an arrhythmia from a monitor he has been wearing for several weeks.

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