Indians’ Francona steps down for rest of season, surgeries
By TOM WITHERS AP Sports Writer
CLEVELAND (AP) — Cleveland Indians manager Terry Francona is stepping down for the remainder of this season to address some health issues. The 62-year-old Francona 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. This is the second year in a row 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.