White Sox manager Tony La Russa will not return for the remainder of the 2022 season, the team announced on Saturday afternoon.
After undergoing additional testing and medical procedures over the past week, doctors for Tony La Russa have directed him to not return as manager of the Chicago White Sox for the remainder of the 2022 season.
Bench coach Miguel Cairo will continue to serve as acting White Sox manager through the remainder of the 2022 season.
La Russa, 77, last managed on August 28 in a 3-2 loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks. He has since undergone various medical tests to address a heart condition. Though he’s been rumored to return by multiple insiders over the past several weeks, it appears that the Hall of Famer will air on the side of caution moving forward.
La Russa is in the second year of a three-year contract with the team. However, it has previously been reported that La Russa could be “reassigned” within the organization should the club miss the postseason. With the team on the heels of elimination, this scenario has become increasingly likely. From a health standpoint, it also remains to be seen how this situation will affect La Russa’s long-term ability to manage, should all parties want him to return.
As the team’s interim manager, Miguel Cairo has led the White Sox to a 13-10 record. Despite getting out to a hot streak, the team enters Saturday’s game against the Detroit Tigers having lost four straight games, including three to the AL Central-leading Cleveland Guardians. It is entirely possible that the South Siders are eliminated from postseason contention by early next week.
As further information is made available, we will provide additional updates.
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