The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
Francona undergoing tests in hospital
Bench coach Mills fills in as manager for second straight game
Indians manager Terry Francona’s health problems continue.
Francona remained hospitalized at Cleveland Clinic on July 5 and missed the middle game of a three-game interleague series against the San Diego Padres. He also missed the series opener on July 4.
The 58-year-old Francona was first hospitalized on June 13 after a home game against the Los Angeles Dodgers. He was back in the dugout the following day.
When symptoms including light-headedness returned in the early innings of a home game on Texas on June 26, Francona was taken to Cleveland Clinic for tests. He missed the game against the Rangers on June 27 and returned to work on June 28. Since then, he’s been wearing a device to monitor his heart rate and other functions.
Francona’s uncertain status was the main topic of discussion as Indians president Chris Antonetti spoke to reporters before the game on July 5.
“He (Francona) remains at the Clinic and has completed a few tests already. He has another one scheduled (July 5),” Antonetti said.
“Hopefully, we’re in the process of narrowing down what’s been causing his symptoms. That way, we can get them corrected. I’m confident we’re on that path.”
Because doctors had not yet nailed down the cause of Francona’s condition, Antonetti said he could not provide a “clear time frame” for the veteran manager’s return.
“We expect it will be at least a couple of days,” Antonetti said.
“At this point, it’s narrowing down what is the specific thing causing his symptoms and how do they correct that,” Antonetti added, referring to the tests being done on Francona. “All of the doctors are very confident they will be able to do that and figure it out in the near term.”
Antonetti said he and General Manager Mike Chernoff visited Francona in the hospital on July 5.
“Oh, he’s itching to get back,” Antonetti said, smiling. “Mike and I were over there for a while this morning and talked about a wide variety of issues, from different trade conversations we’re having to things going on with the team. He’s actively engaged. But as I shared with him, the most important thing for us is his long-term health and getting him back healthy to lead us the rest of the way.”
Francona was allowed to watch the series opener against the Padres, a 1-0 loss in which the Indians had several fielding miscues, failed to hit in the clutch and wasted a fine performance by starting pitcher Corey Kluber.
“We were texting back and forth during the game last night, “Antonetti said. “You don’t get a chance to do that very often. It provided him a different perspective.”
Antonetti said there have been no discussions about an extended leave of absence for the reigning American League Manager of the Year or having him skip the All-Star Game in Miami on July 11. Francona is slated to manage the American League team after the Indians won the AL championship last season on their way to the World Series.
“We haven’t made any decisions or determination on that,” Antonetti said. ”We want to take it one step at a time, and the first part of that is finishing this round of tests and letting the doctors narrow down what might be causing this and get it corrected. We’ll re-assess things after that point.”
Bench coach Brad Mills took over managing duties against the Padres, as he did in Francona’s previous absences. Antonetti said team officials have talked about adding someone to the coaching staff.
“For right now, we’ll keep the status quo,” Antonetti said. “Millsy and the coaches do an extraordinary job. They’re really well-prepared. That’s one of the benefits of the way Tito leads and manages his staff. Those guys are all involved in everything dayto-day. Given what’s happened, it’s about as seamless as you could hope for and expect.”