Terry Francona Returns to Cleveland as Reds Manager

CLEVELAND, Ohio — The Guardians face the Cincinnati Reds tonight at Progressive Field at 6:40 p.m. ET. The game features Guardians starting pitcher Luis Ortiz and Reds pitcher Wade Miley.

The Guardians have a record of 34-30, while the Reds are 33-33. The starting lineups include Guardians players Steven Kwan in center field and José Ramírez at third base, alongside the Reds’ Elly De La Cruz at shortstop and TJ Friedl in center field.

Terry Francona, former Guardians manager, returns to Cleveland for the first time since retiring after the 2023 season. Francona spent 11 successful years managing the Guardians and has expressed mixed emotions about being back.

“I had 11 really fun years here, and I had some great relationships — that never changes,” Francona said. “But now we’re trying to figure out a way to beat them tonight.”

The ballpark has undergone renovations since Francona’s departure. “It’s really different,” he noted. He reflected on the physical challenges that forced him to retire but now feels ready to manage again.

“I literally talked to them in my rocking chair,” Francona said about Cincinnati executives who approached him about returning to coaching. He emphasized the importance of building relationships in baseball.

Francona maintains connections with former players, especially José Ramírez, with whom he has kept in touch. “I always send notes to Hosey… probably about once a month,” he explained.

As Francona prepares for tonight’s game, he downplayed expectations regarding fan reactions. “I’m on a different team, and I don’t think I’ve ever spent two seconds thinking about stuff like that,” he said with his characteristic humor. Despite the change in team colors, Francona’s history in Cleveland remains a significant part of his journey.