Guardians manager Terry Francona back running club after health scare to start road trip

CHICAGO (AP) — Terry Francona is back managing the Cleveland Guardians on Friday following a health scare that led to him being hospitalized in Kansas City and missing three games.

The 64-year-old Francona, who missed significant time in the 2020 and 2021 seasons due to poor health, became lightheaded before Tuesday's game against the Royals. He spent one night at The University of Kansas Health System.

“I actually feel OK today,” Francona said before the Guardians played the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field to open a three-game series. “The last couple of days was really hard.”

Francona said his heart rate accelerated and his blood pressure was high during the spell. He was sweating, even when just sitting.

“You didn't have to be a rocket scientist to know something was not right,” he said.

The team said tests taken on Francona came back “within normal ranges.” He rejoined the Guardians for Thursday's series finale but remained in his office during the game because of excessive heat at Kauffman Stadium.

Francona will get follow-up tests in Cleveland on Monday once the team returns home.

Francona is in his 11th season with Cleveland. He led the Guardians to an AL Central title last season and was named manager of the year.

Bench coach DeMarlo Hale filled in for Francona during the series against the Royals. Hale also guided the Guardians for the final 63 games in 2021 after Francona had to step away due to health issues.

The Guardians enter the weekend tied with Minnesota for first place in the division. After three games with the Cubs, Cleveland plays seven games at home before the All-Star break.

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to undergo TO on Wednesday after the team said that all tests “came back within normal ranges,” but he was advised by physicians to remain away from the ballpark and rest.