White Sox manager Tony La Russa out indefinitely, reportedly having tests on heart
Largely out of nowhere, the Chicago White Sox confirmed shortly ahead of Tuesday's home game versus the Kansas City Royals that manager Tony La Russa would miss at least that contest with an unspecified medical issue on the advice of his doctors.
La Russa was "scheduled to undergo further medical testing" at some point after Chicago's 9-7 loss, and it appears the results may not have been all that encouraging.
ESPN's Jesse Rogers confirmed Nightengale's report. Bench coach Miguel Cairo is expected to serve as interim manager in La Russa's absence.
Nightengale added that "a person with direct knowledge of the situation" says La Russa is seeing heart specialists after a cardiologist recommend he miss Tuesday's game following initial tests. It's unclear when or if La Russa will return to manage this season.
La Russa, who turns 78 years old in October, showed no signs of distress or discomfort while speaking with media members before Tuesday's action. The Hall of Famer guided the White Sox to the American League Central title last season, but Chicago began Wednesday in third place in the division standings and six games back of the first-place Cleveland Guardians.
"I always manage in the game when I’m not in the game," Cairo said of his standard approach following Tuesday's defeat, per Scott Merkin of the MLB website. "I knew the pitchers that we had and I knew the matchups. I always prepare myself before the game starts.
"We found out today like an hour before the game that I was going to manage. We’re going to find out tomorrow what is going on, and, hopefully, (La Russa is) going to be fine and he’s back tomorrow to do his duties. We are going to keep him in our thoughts."
The White Sox host the Royals again on Wednesday evening and then on Thursday afternoon.
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