MILWAUKEE — Cincinnati Reds’ skipper Terry Francona returned to the dugout at American Family Field on Saturday, following an absence attributed to what he humorously called “intestinal turmoil.” Despite not being completely back to form, Francona was pleased to be in the dugout.
“I haven’t felt 100% since 1988,” Francona remarked prior to Saturday’s matchup against the Milwaukee Brewers. “I feel well enough to be here. It’s uncomfortable not being present with the team.”
The previous night, due to stomach ailments, the Reds found themselves without Francona, first-base coach Collin Cowgill, and several players. As a result, Cincinnati experienced a narrow 3-2 defeat to Milwaukee, marking their fourth straight loss. Bench coach Freddie Benavides assumed managerial duties while Francona remained at the team hotel.
Though the Reds hadn’t detailed which players were sidelined on Friday, Francona noted that reserve outfielder Jacob Hurtubise was likely struggling the most. “Everybody’s here,” he remarked, “I suspect some guys feel a bit like they’ve been run over, similar to myself, but we’re fine.”
No players sat out Saturday’s contest due to illness, however, Matt McLain was removed from the starting lineup shortly before the game due to a left hamstring tightness.
The manager relished witnessing the game live, having experienced difficulties following Friday’s events remotely. Francona recounted tuning into a radio broadcast, frustrated as it lagged behind the play-by-play available on apps.
“I listened on my phone and followed along as that was my only option,” Francona mentioned. “I assumed I had access to the baseball package on my phone, but it wouldn’t allow me to view the game. So I managed as best I could.”
Unfortunately, Francona’s remote experience wasn’t without disappointment. The Reds went without a hit in the game’s first 6 2/3 innings, finally ending their scoreless stretch—a lengthy 35 innings—by scoring two runs in the eighth. It marked their longest stretch since 1946 when they failed to score a run for 37 consecutive innings.