CLEVELAND — The Detroit Tigers and the Cleveland Guardians were both without their managers for the Guardians’ 6-1 win in the series opener between the teams Friday night.
Detroit’s AJ Hinch missed the game because he isn’t feeling well but tested negative for COVID-19. Bench coach George Lombard managed the team.
Cleveland’s Terry Francona missed the game to have a minor surgical procedure and is expected to be back Saturday. Francona returned to the team Wednesday after being out four games because of COVID-19.
Bench coach DeMarlo Hale managed the Guardians. Hale also missed several games because of COVID-19, and pitching Carl Willis served as acting manager.
Francona was sidelined for much of the past two seasons with serious medical issues. He managed only 14 games in 2020 because of gastrointestinal issues, and stepped away in July 2021 following foot surgery.