Cleveland Indians: Terry Francona kept things fun during his absence

Terry Francona is returning to mange the Cleveland Indians after a short absence, but he appears to have kept his spirits high while out.

Cleveland Indians fans got to watch the five players and nearly an entire coaching staff represent the team in Tuesday’s MLB All-Star Game, but there was one glaring absence.

Terry Francona was forced to miss the event after being hospitalized for some minor surgery to help his irregular heartbeat. Bench coach Brad Mills managed the game instead.

Mills was interviewed during the game and at one point he appeared to have some gum on his hat during an on-camera interview. This was not lost on Francona, who was watching at home. A tweet from Jordan Bastian explains the story.

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I think the best part of that whole explanation is that he made it clear he was alone and in his underwear, in case anyone was wondering.

But the actual best part is that Francona was able to remain positive and relax during his break while also having a good time in his underwear watching his team be well-represented down in Miami.

He is now back with his team in Oakland and can bring back that carefree attitude that makes him such a great leader for a team facing great expectations.

While it was unfortunate that Francona had to miss the All-Star Game, it is much better for both the team and his personal health that he took some time off. Some people would just say they were fine and let the health problems escalate, so it was smart he didn’t do that.

Next: 5 players who must step up in the second half

Francona is back with the team tonight as the Indians look to take advantage of some bad Bay Area baseball teams at the start of the second half of the season.