Adriana Aviles was diagnosed with leukemia in May and is being treated at Cleveland Clinic. She will join her sister, Maiya, on the mound to toss the first pitch.
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“It was a chance to show Mike that beyond hits and errors and runs, we care about him and his family,” Indians manager Terry Francona said, via Cleveland.com. “It may be a silly way to show it, but I think the feeling is very legitimate and genuine.”
Since Adriana’s diagnosis, the Indians organization has shown support for the Aviles family. In fact, players, front-office members and owner Paul Dolan even shaved their heads and posed for a group photo while wearing “Team Adriana” shirts in June.
Aviles will be eligible for free agency at when the season ends, but Francona made it clear the team has no intention of entertaining offers for the versatile infielder while his daughter battles the disease.
