The former MLB manager was admitted with heart issues in early November ... and shortly after, things took a turn for the worse.

Sources told TMZ Sports at the time ... Lasorda needed sedation and to be put on a ventilator -- but noted his condition was NOT coronavirus related.

An L.A. Dodgers spokesperson told the Associated Press last week Lasorda's condition was improving so rapidly -- noting he was able to field calls from friends and former baseball colleagues!

Now, on Tuesday, the Dodgers told the AP that Lasorda is continuing to make substantial progress -- and he's been moved out of the intensive care unit.

Seems Tommy's still got a ways to go before he's back home ... the Dodgers said he's still doing rehab at the hospital in Orange County -- but it's clear Lasorda's well down the road to recovery at this point.