Francona to call Games 1-2 of ALCS

MLB on FOX lead analyst Tim McCarver will miss the first two games of the ALCS due to what is expected to be a short-term health issue.

McCarver’s pinch-hitter, however, is not exactly a stranger to the postseason.

Terry Francona, who last week parted ways with the Red Sox, will serve as a color analyst for the first two games of the ALCS, working alongside play-by-play man Joe Buck.

McCarver, who has worked as an analyst for the past 21 postseasons, is scheduled to undergo a minor heart procedure Thursday, but is expected back for Game 3.

Francona led the Red Sox to World Series titles in 2004 and ’07 and to postseason appearances in five of his eight seasons as Boston manager.