Former Guardians Manager Terry Francona Undergoes Two Surgeries
For many years, Terry Francona navigated through a slew of health issues while serving as the Cleveland Guardians’ manager.
In July of 2017, Francona had an irregular heartbeat, which was corrected by a cardiac ablation. During the 2020 season, he had gastrointestinal issues and multiple blood clots, which limited him to just 14 games.
The following year, Francona missed the final 63 games due to a hip replacement and a staph infection in his toe.
This season, he missed three games due to lightheadedness.
However, since stepping down as Cleveland’s manager, Francona has not taken long to address some issues with his health.
Sep 2, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians manager Terry Francona (77) walks on the field in the fifth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Progressive Field.
© David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
According to Paul Hoynes of Cleveland.com, the 64-year-old underwent a pair of surgeries to replace his right shoulder and repair a double hernia. Hoynes said that Francona, “is sore, but resting comfortably.”
He is expected to travel back home to Arizona following a couple of weeks’ worth of rest in Cleveland.
The former Guardians manager had health issues well before his time in Cleveland, as he experienced pulmonary embolisms and chest pain in 2002.
While Francona has stepped down as the Guardians’ manager, he will remain with the organization in some way.
Cleveland fans and players alike have expressed a tremendous amount of appreciation for their team’s all-time winningest manager, and 13th-winningest manager in MLB history. But achieving these marks has proven to take a physical toll on Francona.
Now, his fans and the Cleveland organization are wishing him a speedy recovery, as he gets to take a well-deserved rest.
