Indian Shortstop Julio Franco Misses the Game

Starting shortstop Julio Franco was not in the Cleveland Indians’ lineup for Sunday’s game against the Angels because he left the ballpark about 45 minutes before the game began, according to Manager Pat Corrales.

“I’ve got an idea why, but I’m not going to make any statements until I talk to him,” Corrales said. “He wasn’t here. He left.”

Franco was at Cleveland Stadium in uniform early Sunday afternoon before he left. None of the Indians took batting practice, because a baseball clinic was held on the field before the game.

“I don’t know the whole story, so I’ll wait, talk to him and go from there,” Corrales said.

Fran Mullins filled in for Franco at shortstop and had one hit and an RBI as the Indians beat the Angels, 11-4.