CLEVELAND — Cleveland Indians manager Terry Francona is stepping down for the remainder of the 2021 season to address some health issues.
Francona, 62, has been wearing a boot on his right foot all season after undergoing toe surgery for a staph infection in February. He’s also dealing with a hip problem, which will require surgery.
Francona also missed consecutive games against the Tampa Bay Rays earlier this week due to a head cold.
Terry Francona will step away from managerial duties for the remainder of the 2021 season to focus on his health and recovery.
DeMarlo Hale will assume managerial duties for the rest of the season. pic.twitter.com/wDO9xRVuya
— Cleveland Indians (@Indians) July 29, 2021
This is the second year in a row that Francona, a two-time World Series champion with the Boston Red Sox, has been sidelined due to his health. He managed just 14 games in 2020 due to a serious gastrointestinal issue that landed him in the Cleveland Clinic for weeks.
Bench coach DeMarlo Hale will fill in while Francona is out. Third base coach Mike Sarbaugh will move to the bench coach role and coaching assistant Kyle Hudson will take over the third base coaching box.
