Cleveland Indians bench coach and interim manager Sandy Alomar Jr. is the leading candidate to replace Manny Acta on a long-term basis, according to Paul Hoynes of The Plain Dealer, although general manager Chris Antonetti has not set a deadline for a decision. Former Red Sox manager Terry Francona is also being considered.

While Antonetti did not acknowledge whether or not Alomar is the top candidate in Thursday's press conference, he did say that the former catcher is in the running:

"Sandy is a prime candidate to take over but it's too early to speculate."

Alomar has spent the past three years in a coaching role with the Indians, after spending two years with the New York Mets. Alomar played for 20 seasons, posting a career .273/.309/.406 batting line.

Acta was informed on Thursday afternoon that he had been relieved of his duties as Indians manager, after Antonetti arrived at the decision the night before.