WASHINGTON -- Indians manager Terry Francona sat out Tuesday's 3-1 win at Nationals Park after indicating that he was not feeling well. Bench coach Brad Mills assumed the managing duties for the tilt against the Nationals.
Following the game, Indians president of baseball operations Chris Antonetti noted that Francona was feeling much improved. The manager went back to the team's hotel around the fourth inning to rest.
"I know the doctors checked him out," Mills said. "They just felt it'd be better for him to probably go back to the hotel. And he did. Knowing him, he was probably really agonizing during the game. But, I think he's doing fine, hopefully. We'll see how it works out for [Wednesday]."
During Francona's daily pregame meeting with reporters, the manager stopped momentarily and complained of chest pain. Francona felt well enough to finish the question-and-answer session, but then retreated to the clubhouse, where he was examined by medical staff on hand at Nationals Park.
Francona, 57, remained at the ballpark after being checked out. The Indians' media relations staff noted that the manager was feeling better by first pitch, but had experienced some dizziness and lightheadedness in the hours leading up to the game.
"Everybody cares about him. Everybody likes him," Mills said. "I think it was good that [the players] were able to see him at least walk from the training room to his office. I think that really helped."