By TOM WITHERS AP Sports Writer and wire reports
CLEVELAND (AP) — The Indians may have some injury issues, bullpen worries and payroll problems.
They’re set at manager.
The club signed Terry Francona to a two-year contract extension on Wednesday through the 2022 season, giving him more security and a chance to become the longest tenured manager in Cleveland’s rich history.
Francona’s deal was set to expire after 2020. But as he begins his seventh season with the Indians, the club decided to lengthen its relationship with the popular manager known as “Tito” — also his father’s name — for at least another two years.
Francona, who will turn 60 later this month, has led the Indians to three consecutive AL Central titles and the World Series in 2016, when Cleveland lost in seven games to the Chicago Cubs. The Indians have made the postseason four times and had a winning record in all six seasons under Francona.
-0-
All-Star shortstop Francisco Lindor will miss more time because of a sprained left ankle that has delayed his season debut.
Lindor was making a steady recovery from a strained right calf when he injured his ankle running the bases during a minor league scrimmage last week in Arizona. He visited a specialist on Monday as his teammates won their home opener without him.
The Indians may provide a more definitive time frame for Lindor’s return on Wednesday after he meets with management.