The MLB All-Star Game traditionally features a rematch of the two managers that went head-to-head in the previous season’s Fall Classic, but that won’t be the case this year.
According to a statement released by the Cleveland Indians, manager Terry Francona underwent a cardiac ablation procedure on Thursday, and he will be unable to manage in the All-Star Game next week.
Francona, whose Indians lost to the Chicago Cubs in seven games in the Fall Classic, is expected to be back on the bench when the team returns from the All-Star break.
“Terry is expected to make a full recovery and will be discharged within the next day or two,” the Indians said. “The Cleveland Indians Organization would like to express sincere gratitude to the entire staff of professionals at the Cleveland Clinic for their care and treatment of Terry.”
According to reports, Francona will be replaced as the American League manager by Indians bench coach Brad Mills.
Cubs manager Joe Maddon will still be on the bench for the National League side, and he will have his entire coaching staff with him, Major League Baseball announced earlier this week.
The MLB All-Star Game will take place on Tuesday night. Cubs reliever Wade Davis will be the team’s lone representative in the game, which will get underway from Marlins Park at 7 p.m.