John Farrell returning to manage Red Sox in 2016 with Torey Lovullo on staff

John Farrell hasn't managed the Boston Red Sox since taking a leave of absence Aug. 14 to battle cancer, but the club announced Sunday, on the final day of this season, that Farrell will return as manager next season.

Torey Lovullo has served as interim manager in Farrell's absence and Lovullo will return to his role as bench coach in 2016. Neither decision is a surprise. Farrell, who recently completed chemotherapy treatments, always was expected back once he felt healthy enough to work again. He is 246-243 in his three years with the team and won the the 2013 World Series.

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Lovullo always has approached his role as a temporary endeavor providing him with valuable experience for the future. The Boston Globe reported Lovullo signed a two-year deal and waved the right to pursue any managerial jobs in 2016. In early September, Lovullo shaved his head in solidarity with Farrell and his fight with the disease.

Farrell, 53, was diagnosed with Stage 1 lymphoma earlier this year. He is under contract with Boston through the 2017 season with a club option for 2018.

It has been a disappointing year for the Red Sox who will finish with a sub-.500 record and in last place in the American League East, but there is a slew of young talent on the team and in the minor-league system and future is viewed positively by most with 2015 seen as more of hiccup.

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The club also announced that pitching coach Carl Willis, third base coach Brian Butterfield, hitting coach Chili Davis, assistant hitting coach Victor Rodriguez will return with Farrell and Lovullo next season. First base coach Arnie Beyeler and strength coach Pat Sandora were not retained.

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Kyle Ringo is a contributing writer to Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at kyle.ringo@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter! Follow @KyleRingo