Reds manager Terry Francona, some players out due to illness

Field Level Media|published: 04/04/2025, 7:08pm EDT

Apr 1, 2025; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Reds manager Terry Francona (77) walks off the field during a pitching change in the eighth inning against the Texas Rangers at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images

Cincinnati Reds manager Terry Francona will miss Friday's road game against the Milwaukee Brewers due to an illness going around the team.

Reds president of baseball operations Nick Krall declined to identify which players the team sent back to the hotel, telling reporters he didn't want to put Cincinnati at a competitive disadvantage.

Bench coach Freddie Benavides will run the team on Friday night in place of the 65-year-old Francona.

Cincinnati's lineup was released Friday afternoon and among the players listed were shortstop Elly De La Cruz, second baseman Matt McLain, center fielder T.J. Friedl and right-handed pitcher Nick Martinez.

Among the players not listed in the lineup were outfielders Spencer Steer and Jake Fraley.

Catcher Jose Trevino isn't in the lineup but told reporters that he feels fine.

Krall said the Reds are trying to determine what type of illness hit the team.

The Reds have lost their last three games by 1-0 scores.

--Field Level Media