The Chicago White Sox manager Tony La Russa is unable to manage his team for an indefinite period due to medical reasons. The 77-year-old manager is scheduled to undergo medical tests in Arizona, the team confirmed on Wednesday.
While the details of La Russa’s medical diagnosis were not disclosed, he missed Tuesday night’s game against the Kansas City Royals when, less than one hour before the game, his doctors advised him not to attend the game.
Bench coach Miguel Cairo took over as manager for the White Sox’s 9-7 loss to the Royals, the team’s fifth consecutive defeat. According to Cairo, there was no specific incident leading La Russa to withdraw from the game, but rather doctors’ orders. He also confirmed that La Russa seemed alright during the build-up to the game.
The White Sox have largely underperformed this season, now sitting midtable in the AL Central standings. While La Russa has taken the brunt of the blame for the team’s poor form, Cairo came out in defense of his manager, stating: “We have to do it for him. He cares about this team. He really loves the Chicago White Sox. We have to do it for him.”
