MLB Sends Terry Francona Message After Guardians-Reds Game originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
Terry Francona was back in familiar territory Monday night, but this time, in the opposing dugout.
The longtime Cleveland manager made his return to Progressive Field, now serving as the manager for the Cincinnati Reds, beginning the series with a win.
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The Reds secured a 7–4 victory over the Guardians, locking up their first Ohio Cup win since 2014. After the game, MLB’s official account acknowledged the moment with a tweet:
“Terry Francona wins in his return to Cleveland as the @Reds clinch their first Ohio Cup since 2014!”
Francona managed the Guardians from 2013 to 2013, leading the club to six postseason appearances, four American League Central titles and a memorable World Series run in 2016. His 921 wins are the most in franchise history. According to Sportradar, his 483 victories at Progressive Field are the most by any manager at a single ballpark since 2013.
Cincinnati Reds manager Terry Francona (77) returns to the dugout after checking on center fielder TJ Friedl (29) in the third inning of the MLB interleague game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Chicago White Sox at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Tuesday, May 13, 2025. The score was 0-0 after three innings.© Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Monday’s victory gave the Reds a 4-0 record against the Guardians this season. More importantly, it pushed Cincinnati back above .500 at 34-33 for the first time since May 19. The Reds have won four straight games, scoring 28 runs and hitting nine home runs during that stretch.
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They now sit in fourth place in the National League Central, 6 1/2 games behind the division-leading Chicago Cubs and four games back of the final Wild Card spot.
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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 10, 2025, where it first appeared.