San Diego Union-Tribune (Sunday)
TIGERS MANAGER CALLS IT A CAREER
Away
Ron Gardenhire mostly maintained his jovial demeanor this season. As recently as Friday night, he was needling a reporter while discussing a strategic decision from the late innings.
Less than 24 hours later, Gardenhire announced his retirement. This year was taking more of a toll on the 62-year-old Detroit Tigers manager than he’d necessarily let on.
As much as he enjoyed managing, Gardenhire valued his health more.
“It’s been wonderful here, but I also know I have to take care of myself,” said Gardenhire, who was nearing the end of his third season with the Tigers. “When you come to the ballpark, and you’re stressed out all day, and your hands are shaking, that’s not fun. I’ve got grandbabies, I’ve got kids that I need to take care of, and my wife.“
Gardenhire’s announcement came in an abruptly scheduled video conference about an hour before Saturday night’s game against Cleveland. General Manager Al Avila said he made a routine visit to Gardenhire’s office, when the manager told him about the decision.
Gardenhire, who has battled cancer and diabetes, recently missed a couple games because of stomach issues.
“This is tough. It’s a tough day for me. Didn’t expect it, tell you the truth, when I walked in,” Gardenhire said. “But I just know how I’ve been feeling lately, and I expressed that to Al, and elected to just go ahead and step down.”
A message of “Thank you, Gardy” was posted on the scoreboard at Comerica Park.
Bench coach Lloyd Mcclendon is taking over as manager for the rest of the season, which is scheduled to end Sept. 27. Detroit was 21-29 heading into Saturday’s game and was unlikely to make the postseason.
Verlander needs surgery
Houston Astros ace Justin Verlander will undergo Tommy John surgery and is expected to be out through the 2021 season, ending his bid to make a late return for a playoff push.
The reigning AL Cy Young Award winner announced the news on his Instagram account in a video.
“In my simulated game a couple days ago, I felt something in my elbow, and after looking at my MRI and conversing with some of the best doctors in the world, we’ve determined that Tommy John surgery is my best option,” Verlander said.
Notable
The Brewers had two players and a staff member test positive for the coronavirus at their alternate training site in Appleton, Wis. David Stearns, Milwaukee president of baseball operations, confirmed the positive results and said they shouldn’t impact the major league team.
Retired Red Sox player David Ortiz says he’s recovering after being diagnosed with COVID-19. Ortiz said Friday that he was asymptomatic, but that his brother who was also infected had to spend a week in the hospital and lost 25 pounds.