Francona likely to come back for home opener

By wire services
Published April 9, 2005

BOSTON - Red Sox manager Terry Francona was released from a hospital Friday, two days after experiencing chest pains and probably will be back for Monday's home opener against the Yankees.

Francona complained of tightness in his chest and was hospitalized in New York on Wednesday then transferred to a Boston hospital.

Team physician Thomas Gill said tests showed no evidence of a serious heart problem and Francona's chest pains probably were caused by "a recent viral illness."

Mills also said Francona has stopped chewing tobacco because of his health concerns.

Bench coach Brad Mills will continue to serve as interim manager.

"As much as I want to return to my responsibilities, the medical people have made it clear I should wait a couple of days," Francona said in a statement. "In the meantime, I'll be watching the games on TV, second-guessing Millsie and counting the hours until I can return."

BRAVES: Second baseman Marcus Giles started three days after a knee injury appeared it would keep him out for an extended period. Giles jammed his left knee on a slide into second Tuesday and had fluid drained from the knee Wednesday. But an MRI exam showed no ligament or cartilage damage.

DODGERS: Leftfielder Jayson Werth will leave extended spring training to have his left wrist examined Monday in Los Angeles. Five weeks after breaking a bone when hit by a pitch, he still can't swing a bat.

GIANTS: Outfielder Moises Alou was put on the 15-day disabled list with a right calf strain. Alou believes he was hurt when he slipped trying to field a line drive Tuesday.

MARINERS: Left-hander Bobby Madritsch will have a second MRI exam because he still has discomfort in his throwing shoulder.

METS: Outfielder Mike Cameron was put on the 15-day DL with tendinitis in his left wrist. He had surgery on it Dec.17. Also, Aaron Heilman was called up from Triple-A Norfolk to start today. He was 1-3 with a 5.46 ERA in five starts last season.

NATIONALS: The contract of infielder Carlos Baerga was purchased from Triple-A New Orleans. He had 33 pinch-hits with Arizona the past two years. Also, first baseman Wil Cordero will have surgery to repair a torn medial meniscus in his left knee and miss 6-8 weeks.

PADRES: Utility player Eric Young went on the 60-day DL a day after dislocating his right shoulder while making a catch against the centerfield fence. He is expected to miss two months.

TIGERS: Outfielder Magglio Ordonez sat out Friday and could miss the weekend with a viral infection. Also, shortstop Ramon Martinez sprained his left thumb diving for a ball. His status is uncertain.

TWINS: First baseman Justin Morneau sat with dizziness two days after he was hit in the head by a pitch.

IRABU RETIRES: Hideki Irabu, who won 13 games for the Yankees in 1998, ended his career. Irabu, 35, joined the Yankees in 1997 with a $12.8-million, four-year deal. He played three seasons there before being traded to Montreal in 2000. He also spent time with Texas, and in six seasons, he went 34-35 with 16 saves and a 5.15 ERA. He has been with Hanshin of Japan since 2003.

[Last modified April 9, 2005, 07:10:29]