Indians manager Francona misses second game with head cold
CLEVELAND (AP) - Cleveland Indians manager Terry Francona missed his second straight game Sunday with a head cold.
President of baseball operations Chris Antonetti said Francona is "still under the weather" and the team's medical staff felt he would benefit from another day resting at home. He will get more time to recover with the Indians off Monday.
"More than anything we want to make sure it doesn't continue to get worse, and we're trying to minimize the chance that it spreads," Antonetti said. "He's still not feeling great, but hopefully he turns the corner soon."
Antonetti said Francona, who is in his ninth season with Cleveland, had a negative COVID-19 test.
Several of the Indians players were dealing with congestion and other cold symptoms when they returned from a recent road trip.
The 62-year-old Francona also missed Saturday's 8-2 loss to Tampa Bay. The Rays have beaten the Indians 11 straight times.
Cleveland Indians manager Terry Francona speaks at a news conference, Friday, July 23, 2021, in Cleveland. Known as the Indians since 1915, Cleveland's Major League Baseball team will be called Guardians. The ballclub announced the name change Friday, effective at the end of the 2021 season. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak)
Indians bench coach DeMarlo Hale is filling in with Francona out.
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Cleveland Indians manager Terry Francona, left, talks with umpire Bruce Dreckman after a solo home run by Houston Astros' Jose Altuve during the third inning of a baseball game Tuesday, July 20, 2021, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)
