CLEVELAND _ Bench coach Brad Mills has dutifully filled in as manager while Terry Francona underwent tests and then a procedure to correct an irregular heartbeat.
And he'll be happy when Francona returns. Mills has been the acting manager and the other coaches on the staff have had their roles expanded. The Indians chose to rely on the current staff rather than bring in additional help, and it has gone about as smoothly as can be expected.
Mills has been by Francona's side for much of their careers and he's looking forward to when that will be the case again after the All-Star break.
"I'm looking forward to T coming back," Mills said. "That's one of the things I told him last night. I told him, 'Hurry up. This playing sick is enough now.' Obviously messing around with him because it's hard to talk to him without doing that ... But everyone has really worked together to try to move this forward the best we can. Everyone has kind of expanded their roles, not just me. Mickey (Callaway), the hitting coaches, (Mike Sarbaugh), Sandy (Alomar Jr.), everyone has worked together to try to have this move forward as seamless as possible."
Francona has been in contact with Mills throughout this process, of course.
"Oh, I think he's got a few questions," Mills said, laughing. "He's got a few questions and a few things. And I'm sure a few shoes thrown at the TV maybe. But at the same time, there's been a lot of things he's been happy about, too, the way the guys have done some things. I think that's part of enjoying all of it as well."
Francona was discharged from the hospital Friday night and is resting at home.
