Yankees manager Aaron Boone is taking a medical leave from the team to undergo a heart procedure.
Boone, who had open-heart surgery to correct a congenital defect in his heart in 2009, is scheduled to go under the knife once again to have a pacemaker installed.
Statement from Manager Aaron Boone pic.twitter.com/fbCwUrwNd6
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) March 3, 2021
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(UPDATE: The Yankees announced Wednesday evening that Boone was out of surgery and in the recovery room at St. Joseph's Hospital in Tampa, Fla. "The procedure went as expected," the team said.)
The first part of Boone's statement explains his ailment:
As many of you know, I underwent open-heart surgery in 2009, and I wanted everyone to understand where I'm at regarding the procedure that's taking place today. Over the last six-to-eight weeks, I've had mild symptoms of lightheadedness, low energy and shortness of breath. As a result, I underwent a series of tests and examinations in New York prior to the beginning of spring training, including multiple visits with a team of heart specialists. While the heart checkup came back normal, there were indications of a low heart rate which, after further consultations with doctors in Tampa, necessitates a pacemaker.
New York's skipper says in his statement that he's planning to return to the field in the coming days, and that his status as Yankees manager will likely remain unchanged, saying doctors expect his way of life to continue as it was before the surgery.
Aaron Boone, having pacemaker surgery, could return to managing duties as early as 48-72 hours, per GM Brian Cashman. Boone participated in staff Zoom call from his hospital bed, recorded a video for players to put everyone at ease, per Cash. Carlos Mendoza manager in interim.
— Pete Caldera (@pcaldera) March 3, 2021
Boone, 47, is entering his fourth season as Yankees manager and has helped guide the team to the playoffs in each of his first three seasons.
