PITTSBURGH – Cleveland Indians manager Terry Francona will miss his team’s three-game series against the Pirates, which begins Tuesday night.
General manager Mike Chernoff said Francona will have a “planned procedure” to address a gastrointestinal problem. Francona also missed seven games August 3-9 due to illness.
The Indians are hopeful Francona will be back in the dugout in Cleveland on Friday night for the opener of a three-game series against the Tigers.
First Base Coach Sandy Alomar Jr. will re-manage the club in Francona’s absence.
Meanwhile, Gold Glove catcher Roberto Perez has been activated from the injured list and reserve catcher Sandy Leon has been placed on emergency leave for family.
Perez has been out with a tight right shoulder since July 29. He was in the starting lineup for Tuesday night’s game against the Pirates.
Perez has played in just three games in this three pandemic-shortened season, going 1-for-10.
“We are excited to have him back,” Chernoff said. “I’m sure our pitchers are also happy to have him back.”
Perez won the AL Gold Glove last year. He led all major leagues with 30 defensive runs conceded, while hitting .239 with 24 home games in 119 games.
Leon will miss the series with the Pirates.
Cleveland has also recalled fielder Greg Allen from their alternate training side. That came a day after outfielder Oscar Mercado was assigned to the camp in Eastlake, Ohio on Monday.
Mercado hit .111 in 17 games and lost his job from center fielder to Delino DeShields Jr.
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