Tony La Russa out indefinitely due to health concerns

The White Sox will be without their manager for the foreseeable future.

USA Today’s Bob Nightengale originally reported this afternoon that Tony La Russa is now out indefinitely due to health concerns. The White Sox released the below statement shortly after:

“Following a medical evaluation this morning, Chicago White Sox Manager Tony La Russa now is scheduled over the coming days to undergo additional testing in Arizona by his personal physicians. His absence from the club will be indefinite pending the results of these evaluations.”

Specifics of Tony La Russa’s medical symptoms, including conditions that would necessitate further medical testing, have yet to be confirmed by the team at this time. However, Nightengale included in his reports that La Russa will be “undergoing tests on his heart,” according to a person with direct knowledge of the situation.

Bench coach Miguel Cairo, who took over managerial duties for Tuesday’s game, will remain in that position for the duration of this absence.

La Russa, 77, has been under fire from White Sox fans for the majority of his tenure with the team. Since returning to the White Sox, the club has finished 93-69 in 2021 and has started the 2022 season at 63-65. The club has performed well below expectations in both the 2021 playoffs and 2022 regular season, leading many fans to call for La Russa to be fired.

La Russa is in the second year of a three-year contract with the team, and by all accounts, the team is expecting him to return next season if the club makes the playoffs. However, it has previously been reported that La Russa could be “reassigned” within the organization should the club miss the postseason. It remains to be seen how this situation affects his long-term health and ability to manage.

As further information is made public, we will provide additional updates.

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