It’s been a bad week for the Cleveland Guardians organization. A covid outbreak has struck the team. It’s been a long time, or it feels like a long time since we last heard of an epidemic inside an MLB organization. Guardians have seven members, including Terry Francona, in the Covid protocol.
Francona has tested positive for Covid. I feel for Terry Francona because he has dealt with health issues for the last few years and can’t catch a break. After having knee replacement surgery, Francona, 63, missed much of the 2021 season, then an operation on his big toe. He managed just 14 games in the COVID-shortened 2020 season because of an ongoing gastrointestinal issue that landed him in intensive care.
Guardians pitching coach will serve as the acting manager for the team. It’s a lousy time for this to happen because we are still early in the season. Also, the Guardians are in the .500 mark (15-15). Guardians are trying to continue to win baseball games. Now, they have to deal with postponed games and having to play doubleheaders.
Baseball fans don’t fully understand how exhausting playing doubleheader games can be. Yes, they are millionaires and should not complain about it. However, we must consider the possible injuries that can affect a team’s success. We are still dealing with a worldwide sickness, and it won’t go away anytime soon. We can’t kid ourselves.
After the White Sox series, the Guardians will travel to Minnesota to take on division rival Minnesota Twins for a weekend series. Guardians compete against the White Sox and Twins for the American League Central Division Crown. Guardians trail two games behind the Twins for first place.
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