CLEVELAND — It could be some time before the Indians have their on-field leader again.
Tribe President Chris Antonetti confirms manager Terry Francona underwent surgery at the Cleveland Clinic Friday to relieve clotting issues in his blood. While the 61-year-old is "on the path to recovery," it is unknown when he will be able to return to game action.
"The outlook's obviously very good, but he's banged up from the procedure," Antonetti told reporters Tuesday. "It make take him a little bit of time to get back into the dugout."
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Francona has now missed 15 out of 29 games this season due to various health ailments, with gastrointestinal issues initially keeping him out early on. He returned to manage five games against the Chicago Cubs and Detroit Tigers, but has been out since Cleveland played a three-game series in Pittsburgh last week.
Antonetti says doctors discovered the clotting while Francona was being evaluated for the intestinal concerns, and a stent was inserted into one of Francona's veins to help fix the problem. The skipper is currently resting at home, and gave Antonetti permission to share updates on his prognosis.
"He's still pretty sore," Antonetti admitted, adding that is common for this type of thing. "In fact, very sore."
This is not the first time Francona's health has forced him to take time away from the Indians: Back in 2017, he missed several contests (including the 2017 All-Star Game) after undergoing heart surgery, and last year was out for a game due to an unexpected eye procedure. He is currently in the eighth year of what has been a largely successful tenure for the Tribe, and is under contract through 2022.
First base coach and former All-Star catcher Sandy Alomar Jr. will continue to serve as acting manager in Francona's absence. During Alomar's 15 games at the helm, Cleveland has gone 9-6.