White Sox manager Tony La Russa is stepping down as manager due to health concerns that kept him out of the dugout for the final five weeks of the season, he announced in a statement released Monday.
La Russa, who will turn 78 on Tuesday, hasn’t managed a game since abruptly leaving Guaranteed Rate Field on Aug. 30 after doctors told him he needed to undergo further testing related to a heart issue. According to La Russa, there was an issue with the pacemaker he had installed back in February which forced him to step away from the team. During his absence, a second issue was analyzed which forced him to take an indefinite leave.
“At no time this season did either issue negatively affect my responsibilities as White Sox manager,” La Russa said in the statement. “However, it has become obvious that the length of the treatment and recovery process for this second health issue makes it impossible for me to be the White Sox manager in 2023. The timing of this announcement now enables the front office to include filling the manager position with their other off-season priorities.”
Tony La Russa will announce his retirement as White Sox manager on Monday, per @BNightengale pic.twitter.com/BuT3m2tlDF
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) October 2, 2022
Sunday Notebook: Tony La Russa expected to announce retirement as White Sox manager; Pedro Martinez loving flair in game; #Astros potential front office change; more. https://t.co/9jllBAIJXS
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) October 2, 2022