Cleveland Guardians manager Terry Francona experienced health issues before Tuesday's game against the Kansas City Royals, leading him to step away from his managerial duties. The 64-year-old skipper is undergoing further medical evaluation at The University of Kansas Health System. Bench coach DeMarlo Hale took over managerial responsibilities for the game.

This isn't Francona's first encounter with health challenges. He has faced several setbacks in recent years, including a cardiac ablation procedure in 2017 that caused him to miss 20 days. In the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, gastrointestinal issues and blood clots sidelined him for roughly half the season and even landed him in intensive care. A hip ailment and a staph infection in his toe further complicated matters in 2021, prompting Hale to manage the team for the remaining 63 games of that season.

Francona, currently in his 11th season with Cleveland, holds the record for most managerial wins in the franchise's history. His impressive 23-year career as a major league manager boasts a 1,911-1,626 record, including two World Series championships with the Boston Red Sox in 2004 and 2007. Only Houston's Dusty Baker and Texas' Bruce Bochy have more wins among active managers. The Guardians have demonstrated their commitment to Francona with an open-ended contract, allowing him to continue managing as long as he desires and is physically able.

Under Francona's leadership, Cleveland has reached the playoffs six times, including a World Series appearance in 2016.