Both managers out for Tigers-Guardians game

The Detroit Tigers and the host Cleveland Guardians were both without their managers for the series opener between the teams Friday night.

Detroit’s A.J. Hinch missed the game, won by the Guardians 6-1, because he wasn’t feeling well but tested negative for COVID-19. Bench coach George Lombard managed the team.

Cleveland’s Terry Francona missed the game to have a minor surgical procedure and was expected to be back today. Francona returned to the team Wednesday after being out four games with COVID-19.

Bench coach DeMarlo Hale ran the Guardians on Friday.

Francona was sidelined for much of the past two seasons. He managed only 14 games in 2020 due to gastrointestinal issues, and stepped away in July 2021 following foot surgery. VOTTO RETURNS TO PLAY IN HOMETOWN >> The Cincinnati Reds activated Canadian slugger Joey Votto off the injured list before Friday’s game in Toronto against the Blue Jays.

A six-time All-Star first baseman in 16 seasons, Votto hasn’t played a lot in front of the local fans — only 10 games now at Rogers Centre, during which he’s hit three home runs while going 9 for 37 (.243) with seven RBIs. He went 1 for 4 with a double Friday.

Votto grew up in Toronto, cheering the Blue Jays to backto-back World Series wins in 1992 and 1993.

• Also, the Reds placed infielder Brandon Drury, outfielder Albert Almora, righthander Joel Kuhnel and righthander Tyler Mahle on the restricted list.

To enter the country, the Canadian government requires a person to have received a second COVID-19 vaccine dose at least 14 days before entry.

Unvaccinated players go on the restricted list because they are not paid and do not accrue major league service time.