Report: La Russa could be back with White Sox early next week
The White Sox still haven't provided any official update on Tony La Russa, but the 77-year-old manager is reportedly close to returning to the dugout.
According to the New York Post's Jon Heyman, La Russa "is going to be OK" and he could be back with the Sox Tuesday when they open a two-game homestand against the Rockies.
The White Sox started a four-game series against the woeful A's Thursday night after beginning their West Coast trip winning 2 of 3 against a solid Mariners team in Seattle.
Powered by 2 early home runs from Yoan Moncada (who had 5 RBI overall) and a solo homer and RBI single from the red-hot Elvis Andrus, the Sox beat Oakland 14-2.
Eloy Jimenez hit a 2-run homer in the fourth inning, and Romy Gonzalez added a 3-run shot in the sixth.
Coming in, Andrus was hitting .356 (16-for-45) with 3 doubles, 3 home runs and 9 RBI over his last 10 games. Starting pitcher Dylan Cease gave up 3 hits and no runs - and threw 9 strikeouts - in 6 innings of work.
The Athletics were batting .216 through Wednesday's play, the third-lowest team average in American League history.
La Russa is apparently also hoping to be in Oakland Sunday when the Athletics retire Dave Stewart's uniform number.
A Hall of Famer, La Russa managed the A's from 1986-95 and Stewart was the 1989 World Series MVP for Oakland. The two have remained very close through the years.
La Russa has been away from the White Sox since Aug. 30 due to a medical issue. He was examined in Chicago and has been undergoing additional testing in Arizona.
Bench coach Miguel Cairo drew rave reviews while winning 6 of his first 9 games as the Sox's acting manager.
Cairo played for La Russa in St. Louis, and he's been his bench coach the last two seasons.
"He really prepares himself," Cairo said. "I learned how to prepare myself. I didn't ask too many questions because he's so into the game but I watch him and the way he does it. I cannot be Tony La Russa, he's a Hall of Famer. He's got a lot of wins. But I learn so much from him, the way he handles himself, the way he handles the clubhouse, the players."
Since La Russa made an unexpected departure early last week, Cairo has expected him to return this season.
"He cares way too much," the 48-year-old Cairo said. "He cares so much about the game. He cares about the clubhouse, the players. I'm telling you, we love him, I love him. I played for him, I work with him and he's got so much knowledge about the game. Sometimes I'm like, 'How you can think so many things?' He's so smart."