Francona returns to dugout after health scare

CHICAGO — After three days on the sidelines, Guardians supervisor Terry Francona was again within the dugout for Friday’s sport at Wrigley Area.

Francona spent Tuesday afternoon at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas Metropolis as common, however simply earlier than first pitch, he felt lightheaded and requested to be checked out by the coaching workers. He knowledgeable bench coach DeMarlo Hale that he’d must fill in as performing supervisor in order that Francona might head to the native hospital and get extra exams carried out.

Francona stayed on the hospital by way of Wednesday morning for commentary. When every part got here again as anticipated and his outcomes had been regular, Francona was cleared to return to the staff lodge. He was instructed to relaxation for a day or two and since he didn’t really feel significantly better, he was in a position to observe these tips. It wasn’t till Friday that he began to really feel like his regular self once more.

“The final three days, I felt [awful],” Francona mentioned. “I’m going to get some extra exams on Monday, after we get again dwelling. However golly man, I simply wish to say thanks. These individuals in Kansas Metropolis had been off the charts.

“I truly really feel OK at this time. … The final couple days had been actually exhausting. Perhaps we’ll see one thing in these exams. Perhaps not. However I’m simply glad I really feel higher.”

The previous few years have been tough for Francona. In 2020, he went by way of numerous surgical procedures for abdomen issues that had plagued him in the course of the winter, spring and summer season.

When he thought he’d be capable of come again to the staff for the delayed begin to the season in July, he ended up having to depart in August to deal with points with blood clots that landed him in Cleveland Clinic’s intensive care unit. The following offseason, he realized he had a staph an infection in his toe and it triggered him to overlook the second half of the ‘21 season but once more.

In 2022, he lastly had a clear invoice of well being and was in a position to take pleasure in his time again within the dugout for a full season. It wasn’t till Tuesday that he’s talked about feeling unwell once more, however the Guardians are grateful that he’s taking it upon himself to prioritize his well being when these scares pop up.

“He was feeling one thing and knew that one thing wasn’t proper, so he made the choice to speak to the trainers about it and ensure he received examined,” basic supervisor Mike Chernoff mentioned. “We pushed him to do the identical factor. All of the coaches, who’re phenomenal in stepping in like they did, did the identical factor. I feel we all the time simply must be tremendous cautious given his historical past. However we’re grateful every part appears to be OK this time.”