Philadelphia Phillies president David Montgomery will be taking a leave of absence and the club’s former general manager, Pat Gillick will assume the responsibilities while he is out.
The Philadelphia Inquirer reported that the team announced on Thursday, that the 68-year-old, who had surgery to remove cancer from his jaw last May, will be taking a medical leave.
Gillick will take over the daily operations as the Phillies’ chief executive until Montgomery gets back.
"I have the highest regard for David Montgomery, as does everyone in our industry," he said in a statement. "I am glad to be of assistance to the Phillies."
Gillick, 77, was the GM in 2008 when the team won its first championship since 1980. He retired after the season and was succeeded by Ruben Amaro Jr.
After his retirement, Gillick remained with the Phillies as a senior advisor.
NBC Sports noted that Thursday’s announcement comes on the heels of the other sad news the organization received on Saturday about the passing of part-owner Sally Buck.