Reds' Dusty Baker suffered a 'mini-stroke'

The Reds' manager had an irregular heartbeat and was hospitalized in Chicago, but things got a bit worse before he was cleared to go back to Cincinnati.

Dusty Baker Out Of Hospital, Timing Of Return To Dugout Uncertain

Cincinnati Reds manager Dusty Baker was released from a Chicago hospital Sunday morning after spending four nights under the watchful eye of doctors because of an irregular heartbeat. Baker returned to Cincinnati on Sunday afternoon and briefly visited the ballpark during batting practice, taking the time to meet with several players, per the Dayton Daily News:

"He was in good spirits and had a big smile on his face, a welcome sight for all of us, obviously," said Ryan Ludwick.

"He got a bunch of hugs from all of us and seemed cool, calm and collected. We want him here, but he is taking some time to chill out. He came in, made his rounds, and each guy gave him a hug."

There is no set timeline for Baker's return to the dugout, but those close to the manager have said that they are under instructions to take things slowly and that he is not quite ready for the high stress of a game. Bench coach and interim manager Chris Speier is hopeful that a restful day at home Monday will allow Baker to return to the dugout as early as Tuesday night, but it is possible he could sit out until the playoffs.

The division champion Reds will continue to be managed by Speier, who is 7-2 at the helm, until Baker returns.

Reds' Dusty Baker Remains Hospitalized

Cincinnati Reds manager Dusty Baker will remain in a Chicago-area hospital through Saturday, as he continues being monitored for an irregular heartbeat. Baker was admitted to the hospital on Wednesday and has since remained under the care of doctors.

Here is what bench coach and interim manager Chris Speier told Sports Illustrated about Baker's condition:

"The report is they want to give him one more day, make sure everything is fine before they release him. Probably a much-needed another day of rest away from (the media) and this whole situation. It's stressful, as I've found out the last couple of days.

"They just want one more day. Probably give him the OK to come home tomorrow.''

As Baker continues recovering, the Reds are closing in on another NL Central title. The club entered Saturday with a magic number of one. A win over the Dodgers or a Cardinals loss to the Cubs would clinch the division for Cincinnati, which would be their second in three years. There was hope that the 63-year-old manager would rejoin the team for any possible celebrations this evening, but it appears that will have to wait at least one more day.

For more on Baker and the Reds' quest for the postseason, be sure to check out Red Reporter.

Dusty Baker Hospitalized With Irregular Heartbeat

Dusty Baker will remain in a Chicago hospital overnight with an irregular heartbeat.