Boston Red Sox color commentator has just taken an indefinite leave of absence in order to recover from the effects of lung cancer surgery.

56-year-old Remy joined NESN in 1988. He has worked alongside Don Orsillo since 2001. He is a former smoker who underwent surgery for lung cancer late last year and he expected to return to the booth this season but an infection and a subsequent case of pneumonia forced him to miss most of spring training.

In an announcement the New England Sports Network issued on its Web site just prior to Boston’s 9-2 loss to the Cleveland Indians at Fenway Park on Wednesday night, Remy said: “I want to focus on completing my recovery so that I can return to work without distractions or interruptions.”

In the same announcement, “I hope that disclosing my bout with cancer will reinforce the dangers of smoking to every member of Red Sox Nation, especially children,” Remy continued.

Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz said: “He’s part of the family. When you hear that kind of news, it hurts.”

In behalf of NESN, its president Sean McGrail stated: “As part of the NESN family, we want Jerry to concentrate on his health and getting well. When he’s ready to return, his place in the booth will be waiting for him. In the meantime, we ask everyone to respect Jerry’s privacy so that he can focus fully on his recovery.”

“Jerry is beloved, and on behalf of everyone in Red Sox Nation, I want him to know that he is in our thoughts,” Red Sox chairman Tom Werner said. “We will sorely miss him in the broadcast, but the most important thing is that he takes all the time he needs to recover.”

While Remy is out of duty, Red Sox studio analyst and Hall of Fame pitcher Dennis Eckersley will join Orsillo in the NESN booth for telecasts from Fenway tonight against the Cleveland Indians and Friday night versus Tampa Bay. Dave Roberts will fill that role on the Red Sox upcoming road trip to Los Angeles and Seattle.