Cleveland will be without its manager for the remainder of the 2021 season.
Terry Francona, in a joint Zoom session with president of operations Chris Antonetti, announced Thursday night he will step down for the rest of the season to focus on his health. Francona has battled numerous ailments, particularly over the last few years, and has upcoming hip and toe procedures.
Bench coach DeMarlo Hale will take over the acting managerial duties. Third base coach Mike Sarbaugh will act as the bench coach, and assistant Kyle Hudson will coach third base.
Francona missed all but 12 games of the 2020 season dealing with blood-clotting issues that led to several surgeries and time in the ICU. He also dealt with a gastrointestinal issue last spring.
First base coach Sandy Alomar Jr. managed the majority of the 2020 season and a playoff series against the New York Yankees.
