Terry Francona Won't Manage Indians on Thursday Night After Undergoing Eye Surgery
By Jerry Trotta
Folks, this one truly came out of nowhere.
Cleveland Indians skipper Terry Francona will NOT manage the club's series finale against the Houston Astros on Thursday night. Per MLB.com's Mandy Bell, the 60-year-old manager underwent unexpected eye surgery hours before the game.
Terry Francona will not manage tonight after having eye surgery this morning. Brad Mills will handle the managing duties.
— Mandy Bell (@MandyBell02) August 1, 2019
As Francona recovers from the operation, bench coach Brad Mills will take on managerial responsibilities.
It's not the first time in recent years that Tito has been forced to miss time due to health issue that flared up quickly. In July of 2017, the two-time World Series champ missed a plethora of games after being forced to address an abnormal heartbeat.
Additionally, Francona had surgery to replace his right hip in November of 2016, causing him to miss more than a month.
Today's procedure (thankfully) isn't nearly as serious, as Indians radio personality James Rapien understands that the manager will return to the Indians tomorrow.
Terry Francona won’t manage tonight after having minor eye surgery. Brad Mills will step in. Francona is expected back tomorrow.
— James Rapien (@JamesRapien) August 1, 2019
At the surface, this might have drove a little scare into the hearts of baseball fans. But Francona is as tough as they come and will hopefully return after a day's absence as he looks to lead the Tribe's hopeful surge into the postseason.