The Boston Red Sox are having a rough season. They're currently the second worst team in the American League and now they'll be without manager John Farrell for the rest of the way.
Farrell, 53, was diagnosed with Stage 1 lymphoma after undergoing hernia surgery on Monday. He had no symptoms before the doctors detected the cancer. The manager said Friday he will begin treatment "in the coming days" as the lymphoma is "localized and highly curable," according to NESN.com.
He said the treatment is expected to last nine weeks, writes Kay Lazar of the Boston Globe.
"I know we usually start out with the injury report. I'll start out with myself on this one. Monday's surgery for the hernia revealed that I have lymphoma," Farrell told reporters before Friday night's game. "Thankfully, it was detected in the hernia surgery. I can honestly tell you I'm extremely fortunate that it was found."
Check out the rest of his media session below:
The Red Sox released a statement regarding Farrell's situation as well, via CSNNE.com:
"Our thoughts and prayers are with John and his family at this time. We are heartened by the news that this form of cancer is highly treatable and by the knowledge that the quality of care he will be receiving is second to none. We also know that John and his family are comforted by the outpouring of love and support coming from the entire Red Sox community."
Bench coach Torey Lovullo will take over as interim manager for the remainder of the season as Farrell undergoes treatment and recovers. Farrell said he has every intention of returning next season. Dr. Matthew Davids of the Dana-Farber's lymphoma program told the Boston Globe "the typical recovery time following nine weeks of chemotherapy and two to three weeks of radiation is about three months."
That means Farrell would be on time to return when pitchers and catchers report to spring training in 2016.
Former Red Sox pitcher Jon Lester is a lymphoma survivor (dating back to 2007) and told ESPN that Farrell is "in good hands" because he knows the doctors that will be giving Farrell his treatment.
Here are some tweets from around the MLB wishing him the best:
Wishing @RedSox manager John Farrell a full and speedy recovery.
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) August 14, 2015
Our best wishes go out to John Farrell, his family and the @RedSox organization. https://t.co/ovbprcvRG3 #NVRQT
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) August 15, 2015
Great win today but heavy hearted after learning about John Farrell. Thoughts and prayers going out to the Farrell fam. You got this buddy!
— Jon Lester (@JLester34) August 15, 2015
Francona spoke with his good friend John Farrell on Friday, after Red Sox manager revealed he has Stage 1 lymphoma: pic.twitter.com/BUPwMni8qe
— Jordan Bastian (@MLBastian) August 14, 2015
John Farrell- The @BlueJays sending you best wishes for a speedy recovery. Stay Strong and look forward to seeing you at the ballpark soon.
— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) August 14, 2015
The Orioles organization wishes @RedSox manager John Farrell a full & speedy recovery. We look forward to seeing him back in the dugout soon
— Baltimore Orioles (@Orioles) August 14, 2015
Wishing all the best to @RedSox Manager John Farrell in his battle with lymphoma. Looking forward to seeing him back in the dugout soon.
— Seattle Mariners (@Mariners) August 14, 2015
The #Rays organization, players & fans wish a full & speedy recovery to @RedSox manager John Farrell. See you back on the field again soon!
— Tampa Bay Rays (@RaysBaseball) August 14, 2015
