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Francona did not travel with the team on its recent trip to Detroit and Pittsburgh so he could rest and have the procedure. The Indians had hoped Francona would return to the dugout when they got back to Progressive Field, but he’s not ready.
Antonetti has been in contact with Francona during games, either watching virtually or texting.
“His spirits are great,” Antonetti said. “He’s still locked in on the team. … He’s just looking forward to feeling better.”
First-base coach Sandy Alomar Jr. will continue to manage the team while Francona is sidelined. The Indians have won six straight overall and 20 consecutive games over Detroit. They are 11-3 in the games Francona has missed.
Alomar said the coaching staff has done a nice job collaborating to make decisions that would normally be up to Francona.
Asked what he missed most about Francona, Alomar said “his voice.”
“This is his team,” the six-time All-Star catcher said. “I don’t know how players see us right now. They know that we are not the manager. They know that I’m one of the coaches and they respect me a lot, but his voice. I can’t wait for him to come back myself. I know as a group we’ve done a good job, but at the end of day, this is Terry Francona’s team.”
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