Red Sox manager John Farrell has lymphoma, taking medical leave from team

BOSTON (AP) — Red Sox manager John Farrell said today he had a "highly curable" form of cancer and would take a medical leave for the rest of the season to deal with lymphoma.

The 53-year-old Farrell said Boston bench coach Torey Lovullo will run the team in his absence. Farrell said he planned on being back with the team for spring training.

Fighting back tears, Farrell said the cancer was discovered when he had hernia surgery in Detroit earlier this week.

"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," he said before tonight's game at Fenway Park against Seattle.

"Thankfully it was detected in the hernia surgery. I can honestly tell you I'm extremely fortunate that it was found. Treatment will begin in the coming days," he said.

Farrell said a mass was completely removed during the procedure and no additional surgery was necessary. He said chemotherapy would start early next week to treat the cancer of the lymphatic system.