The Cleveland Indians skipper has returned to the team hotel on Sunday
The ongoing coronavirus pandemic has given MLB a major wakeup call, as the league is seeing just how difficult it is to travel and play a season. If there’s one thing the league has learned, it’s how important it is for players and coaches to self-report potential COVID-19 symptoms.
On Sunday, it was revealed that Cleveland Indians skipper Terry Francona will not manage the team’s game against the Minnesota Twins due to a minor gastrointestinal issue that’s not related to the coronavirus. First base coach Sandy Alomar Jr. will manage in Francona’s place while he returns to the team hotel in Minneapolis.
Terry Francona will not manage the Indians today. Sandy Alomar Jr. will instead. Francona dealing with minor gastrointestinal issue (not COVID-19 related) and returned to the team hotel.
— Zack Meisel (@ZackMeisel) August 2, 2020
Francona playing it safe
During these difficult times caused by the coronavirus, we’re seeing players and coaches taking things much more seriously. That is due to the Miami Marlins’ massive coronavirus outbreak, where a staggering 18 players tested positive. Additionally, the St. Louis Cardinals are dealing with a smaller outbreak, where six individuals yielded positive results.
Francona isn’t the only person to self-report symptoms this week. Fellow AL Central manager Rick Renteria was advised to sit out of the Chicago White Sox’s game on Monday after he awoke with a slight cough and nasal congestion. Chicago Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant self-reported having stomach issues on Saturday right before first pitch, and has since yielded two negative test results.
Cleveland currently sits in third place in the AL Central with a 5-4 record. After defeating the rival Twins on Thursday, Cleveland is currently on a two-game skid entering Sunday’s matinee game.
While it’s certainly great news that Francona’s ailment is unrelated to the coronavirus, you can never play it to safe during this pandemic era. We’ll continue to keep you updated on Francona’s condition once more details are revealed.