Tony La Russa is stepping down as manager of the Chicago White Sox due to health concerns that kept him out of the dugout for the final five weeks of the season.

La Russa, who turned 78 on Tuesday, hasn't managed a game since abruptly leaving Guaranteed Rate Field on Aug. 30.

There was an issue with the pacemaker he had implanted in his heart in February that forced him to step away from the team. During his absence, a second issue was diagnosed, forcing him to take an indefinite leave.

He was under contract through the 2023 season.

"At no time this season did either issue negatively affect my responsibilities as White Sox manager," La Russa said in a statement.

"However, it has become obvious that the length of the treatment and recovery process for this second health issue makes it impossible for me to be the White Sox manager in 2023. The timing of this announcement now enables the front office to include filling the manager position with their other off-season priorities."