(Tampa) Manager Aaron Boone is temporarily leaving the Yankees to receive a pacemaker, the New York organization announced Wednesday.
The Yankees have indicated that the surgery will be performed late Wednesday at St. Joseph's Hospital in Tampa, Fla.
Boone said in a statement that the medical team is "optimistic that I can resume my normal professional and personal activities while ensuring my long-term health without having to change my lifestyle." I can't wait to get back to work in a few days ”.
The 47-year-old, who underwent open heart surgery in 2009, is entering his fourth season at the helm of the Yankees. They began their pre-season schedule last Sunday and were scheduled to play their fourth game Wednesday night against the Toronto Blue Jays in Tampa.
Yankees general manager Brian Cashman was scheduled to discuss the situation later on Wednesday.
Boone played in Major League Baseball between 1997 and 2009, and represented the Yankees in the All-Star Game in 2003.
He is part of the third generation of a family to evolve in the Major Leagues, after his grandfather Gus and his father Bob. His brother Bret also played in major baseball, and Aaron Boone's nephew, Jake, plays in the minor ranks with the Washington Nationals organization.