Red Sox manager John Farrell made a shocking announcement on Friday afternoon, opening up his pre-game press conference by revealing that he has been diagnosed with cancer. The 53-year-old is battling Stage 1 lymphoma and will step away from baseball while he receives treatment. Bench coach Torey Lovullo will fill in on an interim basis.
John Farrell opens his pre-game conference with the announcement that he has lymphoma.
— Gary Striewski (@garystriewski) August 14, 2015
Farrell's voice cracked twice – once in announcing news, later referencing support of players. But otherwise, upbeat, determined.
— Sean McAdam (@Sean_McAdam) August 14, 2015
Farrell kept his lymphoma diagnosis to himself while in Miami. Only three others who knew were doctors involved. Told others Thursday.
— Sean McAdam (@Sean_McAdam) August 14, 2015
After injuring himself throwing an equipment bag, Farrell had surgery to repair a hernia on his right side in Detroit on Monday, but returned to the team the next day. He said the cancer was detected during that process, and he feels fortunate that it was caught early on and is “highly curable.” He will begin nine weeks of chemotherapy treatment starting next week.
We wish him the best of luck in his recovery.
Farrell said he has every intention of being back as #RedSox manager next season.
— Ricky Doyle (@TheRickyDoyle) August 14, 2015