Cleveland Guardians manager Terry Francona has scheduled a shoulder replacement surgery as well as two hernia operations for the end of the season. With knowledge of the extensive recovery period involved, the 64-year-old manager has decided to fast-track his surgeries. Despite his prolonged future absence, Francona is not yet looking to announce his retirement.
“I need to go get healthy for my life, and this lifestyle is just too difficult,” Francona admitted, justifying his planned absence from the Guardians’ dugout next season. “I also know how I feel about doing the job a certain way, and I don’t think I can necessarily do that anymore. And that bothers me.”
Rumors around Francona’s retirement began circulating after he hinted that he may be preparing to step down as the Guardians prepared to face their last 36 games of the season. He admitted that retirement is a conversation that he has with team president Chris Antonetti and general manager Mike Chernoff on a regular basis.
