CLEVELAND, Ohio (92.3 The Fan) – Manager Terry Francona, outfielder Josh Naylor and a few coaches are getting closer to returning according to acting manager Carl Willis.
It’s just a matter of them clearing Major League Baseball’s COVID-19 protocols.
“He’s feeling much better,” Willis said of Francona Tuesday afternoon prior to their series opener with Cincinnati. “I think he’s ready [to return]. Again, it’s just a matter of when his numbers or the negative tests come in that he’s cleared to rejoin us but he’s feeling much better.”
Francona along with bench coach DeMarlo Hale, hitting coach Chris Valaika, assistant pitching coach Joe Torres, first base coach Sandy Alomar Jr., third base coach Mike Sarbaugh and major league hitting analyst Justin Toole were placed in Major League Baseball’s health and safety protocols on May 11.
Valaika has returned to the club for Tuesday night’s series opener against the Reds after clearing protocols according to Willis.
“I spoke with the coaches [Monday] and they all feel much, much better,” Willis said. “II think a couple of them have been asymptomatic, but again, there are protocols in place that we have to get these numbers or negative tests – consecutive negative tests – until they can rejoin us so again, that’s kind of a fluid situation and I certainly hope they’re cleared soon.”
Naylor was placed on the COVID injured list May 13.
“It’s kind of a day-to-day thing and once he clears we’ll make a decision as to what’s best for him in terms of how many days he’s missed,” Willis said.
The Guardians’ series finale against the White Sox last week became the first game postponed this season due to COVID-19.
Family matter – Franmil Reyes was not in the starting lineup for Tuesday night’s series opener against the Reds due to a “family matter” according to Willis.
“Felt like this situation, maybe he needs a little more rest,” Willis said. “Our hope is to get him ready to be an option off the bench. I think that’s the fairest to him, but he is fine.”
Fresh air – Monday’s off day allowed Willis to decompress and relax – at least for a moment or two before he started thinking about the upcoming week.
“For the first time in a long while I took a really nice, long walk,” Willis said. “Got some fresh air. I just kind of wanted to get away and take in some things but once the walk was over, I started looking at the Reds and thinking about today and thinking about the players and how to get them in the best position to go out and compete.”
The Guardians will also be off Thursday before welcoming the Tigers to town for the weekend.
Keepers of the cup – The Guardians have already clinched retention of the Ohio Cup for an eighth consecutive year by virtue of the two game sweep in Cincinnati last month.
A victory Tuesday night would give the Guardians a season series win against their I-71 rivals for the sixth time in eight years.
Entering Tuesday night, Cleveland has won five of six, eight of 11 and 15 of the last 18 games against the Reds.
Bullish pen – The Guardians enter play Tuesday among the league leaders in several relief categories.
Cleveland ranks second in opponents average (.203), hits per nine innings (6.58), tied for third with 10 wins and fourth in WHIP (1.11).