Tony La Russa could return to White Sox, but that might not be a good thing

The White Sox latest update on Tony La Russa is good news for his health, but potentially bad news for the team’s playoff chances.

A tough conversation needs to be had with the 77-year-old manager, who has missed the last several weeks with a heart issue.

While everyone in the baseball world is thrilled that La Russa is back in good health, it may not make the most sense for him to rejoin the team right now.

Per the White Sox, La Russa has been cleared to travel with the team. He will not return to managing just yet, though.

Taking things slow with La Russa makes sense not just for his health, but the team. Chicago has been thriving lately with interim manager Miguel Cairo.

Should Tony La Russa return to White Sox?

Even closer Liam Hendriks acknowledged the positivity in the clubhouse right now with Cairo at the helm.

Chicago is finally making their playoff push. Putting La Russa back at the helm, especially when he’s not at full strength, feels risky for many reasons. First, managing is a stressful gig. Should La Russa really be the lead man at the moment? Second, it might interrupt whatever good mojo the Sox have going for them right now.

TLR will be in attendance for Dave Stewart’s jersey retirement ceremony, a date he and the team previously pinpointed as a potential return. He won’t be managing, as the White Sox statement says.

Just a few days ago, Cairo spoke to how much the team misses La Russa, but also cares about his well-being.

“He cares way too much,” Cairo said. “He cares so much about the game. I’m telling you. We love him. I love him. He has so much knowledge about the game.”

General manager Rick Hahn may need to have a tough conversation with La Russa moving forward, especially if the team keeps winning.