Yankees: Aaron Boone taking medical leave to undergo heart surgery

New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone has taken medical leave to undergo heart surgery.

New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone has taken an immediate leave of absence to undergo heart surgery. Boone will receive a pacemaker at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Tampa, Florida.

Boone released a statement on Wednesday ahead of his surgery, letting Yankees fans know what is going on with regard to his health. He has been dealing with “mild symptoms of lightheadedness, low energy and shortness of breath.” Boone expects to be back with his team in only a few days, but he has complete trust in his fellow coaches, staff and players in his absence. He is in great spirits.

Aaron Boone had open-heart surgery in 2009

A series of tests revealed Boone’s heart rate was low and required a pacemaker after careful consideration with the cardiologists. Because this is spring training, there is no rush to get Boone back in the dugout. The Yankees will allow him as much time as he needs to recover from his surgery. While this was unexpected, there is no reason to panic surrounding the skipper.

The Yankees have a state-of-the-art spring training facility in Tampa and Boone will be in the same city to have his surgery. Boone expects to return to the team in only a few days, so look for him to rejoin the club well before Opening Day. While heart surgery is always scary, it is a great thing Boone and the medical professionals are able to take care of this when they can.

Here is to a speedy recovery for Boone as he comes back quickly and in optimal health.