CLEVELAND -- Indians manager Terry Francona remained at the Cleveland Clinic on Wednesday, and it could be a few more days before he is cleared to return to the dugout.
Chris Antonetti, the Indians' president of baseball operations, met with reporters prior to Wednesday's game against the Padres and noted that Francona was continuing to undergo testing to help determine what has been ailing him over the past several weeks. Until Francona is cleared to rejoin the team, bench coach Brad Mills will remain as the active manager.
"He has actually completed a few tests already," Antonetti said, "and has another one scheduled here today, and hopefully, we are in the process of narrowing down what has been causing his symptoms. And then, that way we can have it corrected and I'm confident we're on that path.
"He will not be with the team tonight, and at this point, I don't have a clear time frame for when he will return. But I think it will be at least a couple of days."
Francona missed Tuesday's game due to being at the Cleveland Clinic, though Antonetti noted that the ongoing tests were not the result of any health setbacks. Francona experienced lightheadedness and an increased heart rate during home games on June 13 and June 26, prompting a trip to the hospital each time. Doctors have been working with Francona since the second episode in an effort to determine the root cause of the issues.
"Out of respect for Tito, I'll stay away from too many specifics," Antonetti said. "But what we said before about them having eliminated any major health issues remains true."
At this point, an extended leave of absence for Francona has not been discussed, according to Antonetti, who added that the Indians have not made a decision one way or another yet on whether Francona will manage the American League on Tuesday at the All-Star Game in Miami.
"We haven't made any sort of decisions or determinations on that," Antonetti said. "I think we want to take it one step at a time. The first part of that is finishing this first round of tests."
Santana to paternity list
Prior to Wednesday's game against the Padres, the Indians placed first baseman Carlos Santana on Major League Baseball's paternity list, which allows him to be away from the team for between one to three days. Cleveland activated outfielder Abraham Almonte from the 10-day disabled list to take Santana's place on the active roster.
Almonte had been sidelined since May 15 after straining his right biceps tendon, and he went through a pair of Minor League rehab assignments with Triple-A Columbus. In 14 games with the Clippers, Almonte hit .311 with two homers, three doubles, three RBIs and eight runs scored. The outfielder opened the season with the Indians and hit .221 in 33 games prior to the injury.
Kipnis scratched
Indians second baseman Jason Kipnis was scratched from Wednesday's lineup due to neck spasms, which is the same issue that kept him sidelined on June 14-15. With Kipnis out, utility man Erik Gonzalez started at second base and hit ninth for the Tribe.