Astros Class AAA Oklahoma City manager Tony DeFrancesco will miss the start of the season because of cancer. The club is optimistic he’ll have a full recovery and the cancer was detected early.

DeFrancesco, 50, was diagnosed with the disease this month after undergoing a routine physical during spring training. DeFrancesco spoke to doctors about the symptoms he was experiencing and was referred to a specialist, who made the diagnosis.

“I am overwhelmed and truly grateful by the support of family, friends, and everyone associated with the Houston Astros organization,” DeFrancesco said in a statement from the team. “I am very confident in my medical team at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. I am optimistic for 100 percent recovery. My wife, Adriene, and I would like to thank everyone for their phone calls and prayers.”

DeFrancesco is entering his fourth season as the Oklahoma City manager. He managed the big-league Astros at the end of the 2012 season when Brad Mills was let go.

Tom Lawless, who served as DeFrancesco’s infield coach in 2013, will serve as OKC’s interim manager.