Former Arizona Wildcats All-American outfielder Terry “Tito” Francona, the Cleveland Indians manager, remained hospitalized Wednesday at Cleveland Clinic for tests.
He missed his second straight game Wednesday, a 6-2 loss to the San Diego Padres at Progressive Field in Cleveland.
His status as American League manager in the All-Star Game on Tuesday in Miami is not certain.
Francona, known for his lighthearted manner, added in a team statement Tuesday that he “also wanted to express that medical personnel have not yet ruled out an allergy to bench coach Brad Mills.”
Mills, also a former Wildcat standout who was a teammate of Francona’s at Arizona, is fulfilling Francona’s managerial duties.
Doctors are attempting to diagnose the cause of Francona’s chronic lightheadedness. The 58-year-old has been wearing a heart monitor after dizzy spells on June 13 and again June 26 caused concern.
Major health issues have been ruled out for Francona, according to the Indians.
Team president Chris Antonetti told reporters Wednesday that he visited Francona and discussed his long-term health. Antonetti said doctors were confident a diagnosis would be made soon.
“We talked about a wide variety of issues from different trade conversations we’re having and things going on with the team, so he’s actively engaged and actively itching to get back,” Antonetti said in a press gathering. “But as I’ve shared with him, the most important thing for all of us is his health, his long-term health, and we want to make sure we get him back healthy and ready to lead us the rest of the way.”
Mills voiced his concern for Francona after Tuesday’s game.
“It’s a genuine concern for, not me, but the whole staff and the team as well,” Mills told reporters. “There’s definitely a concern. I’m glad the doctors checked him out and we’ll move down the road.”
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ALLSPORTSTUCSON.com publisher, writer and editor Javier Morales is a former Arizona Press Club award winner. He is a former Arizona Daily Star beat reporter for the Arizona basketball team, including when the Wildcats won the 1996-97 NCAA title. He has also written articles for CollegeAD.com, Bleacher Report, Lindy’s Sports, TucsonCitizen.com, The Arizona Republic, Sporting News and Baseball America, among many other publications. He has also authored the book “The Highest Form of Living”, which is available at Amazon.
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