Boston Red Sox manager John Farrell diagnosed with lymphoma

Boston Red Sox manager John Farrell announced in his pre-game press conference on Friday that he has been diagnosed with Stage 1 lymphoma and will miss the rest of the season. Bench coach Torey Lovullo will manage in his absence.

Farrell had been absent from the dugout since Tuesday, when he underwent surgery to repair a hernia. It was during the surgery that the cancer was discovered.

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The 53-year-old seems to be in good spirits, telling the media on Friday that “there’s going to be a good outcome to this,” and that he has “every intention of coming back” to the Red Sox dugout. He will begin nine weeks of chemotherapy treatment starting next week.

While Farrell has the Red Sox in the cellar of the American League this season, he led Boston to a World Series title in his first year as manager in 2013. Times have not been as easy since, as Farrell has amassed a 218-220 record in his three seasons as the Red Sox skipper, and some had previously speculated that his job could be on the line if Boston finished the year on a bad note. Team president Larry Lucchino has stepped down from his role as CEO, and with that some figured could come a managerial change. However, one would think Farrell’s job will be safe for the time being unless his health begins to deteriorate.

We at Call to the Pen of course wish Farrell and the Red Sox organization the best during this time, and hope Farrell has a speedy and full recovery.

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