CLEVELAND — A second consecutive troubling season for the Boston Red Sox is ending on an uplifting note: Manager John Farrell is expected back next season after undergoing cancer treatment.
The Red Sox announced Farrell’s return before Sunday’s season finale against the Cleveland Indians. The 53-year-old left the Red Sox on Aug. 14 after being diagnosed with Stage 1 lymphoma, detected when he had surgery to repair a hernia.
Farrell completed chemotherapy treatments in Boston this past week, and barring any medical complications, the club is expecting him to be back in the dugout next season.
Farrell was hired as Boston’s manager in October 2012 and led the Red Sox to a World Series title in his first season. He signed a two-year contract extension in February through the 2017 season, with the club holding an option for 2018.
Farrell has a 246-243 (.503) record with the Red Sox. He managed the Toronto Blue Jays for two seasons prior to being signed by the Red Sox.
Torey Lovullo has served as interim manager while Farrell is on medical leave. The Red Sox have signed Lovullo to a two-year extension through 2017 and said he will return to his role as bench coach in 2016. Lovullo, who played with Farrell and is one of his closest friends, has waived the right to pursue managerial openings.
The Red Sox did not renew the contract of first-base coach Arnie Beyeler.
At 78-83 entering Sunday’s finale, the Red Sox had seven more wins than in 2014. Boston will have consecutive losing seasons for the first time since 1993 and 1994.
Thumbnail photo via Rick Osentoski/USA TODAY Sports Images
