The Cleveland Guardians recently had to endure a bit of a COVID-19 mini-crisis, one that forced them to be without some players and coaches for a few days.
One of the most prominent names absent from the dugout in the past week was manager Terry Francona.
However, the team just received some good news: they have their skipper back.
“Guardians manager Terry Francona back with the team after missing four games with COVID-19,” Tom Withers, a sportswriter who works for the AP, tweeted on Wednesday afternoon.
Guardians manager Terry Francona back with the team after missing four games with COVID-19.
— Tom Withers (@twithersAP) May 18, 2022
Francona had tested positive for the virus last week.
The Guardians Are Getting Their Manager And Coaches Back; Naylor Still Out
He has now cleared the COVID-19 protocols and will be back in the dugout for Cleveland on Wednesday night against the Cincinnati Reds.
There is more positive news, as bench coach DeMarlo Hale and hitting analyst Justin Toole will also be back from their respective absences.
The one who is still missing games is outfielder Josh Naylor, who was off to his best start as an MLB hitter.
He still doesn’t have a timetable to return, but is being monitored closely.
After a hot start to the season, the Guardians are currently 16-18 (before Wednesday’s games).
They are 5-5 in their last ten games and have lost two straight, so it’s safe to say Francona’s return is a welcome sight.
Francona is one of the best and most accomplished managers in the sport, and is capable of leading the Guardians to the postseason even if they weren’t really favorites to qualify before the season.
There is still a lot of baseball to be played, though, and lots of things to be decided.
NEXT: Guardians Brag About A Talented And Patient Lineup