New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone is in good spirits following a surgical procedure this week to have a pacemaker implanted due to a low heart rate.
Even more encouraging, Boone is on a quick road to recovery and even hopes to rejoin the Yankees as soon as this weekend. In fact, the Yankees skipper indicated on Friday that he would have been back at work at the team’s spring training facility in Tampa, Fla., on Friday if not for MLB COVID-19 protocols.
Boone went on to explain how great he feels following his procedure during his virtual presser.
“I think I’m ready to be back in the dugout,” Boone added, per ESPN.
The 47-year-old was released from St. Joseph’s Hospital in Tampa on Thursday after undergoing his procedure on Wednesday. Boone previously underwent open-heart surgery in 2009. The Yankees skipper revealed in his statement that he had been experiencing minor symptoms for the last six to eight weeks.
Boone also relayed the extent of the troubling symptoms he was experiencing that led to him meeting with a cardiologist.
“Energy level, not myself. I felt like I had to reach for it every day in a way,” Boone revealed.
Earlier Friday morning, Boone took to Twitter to express gratitude for all the support and well wishes he’s received over the past few days.
The Yankees announced Wednesday that Boone would take an immediate medical leave of absence to treat his condition and undergo surgery. Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner said in the statement released by the team that Boone and his family have the total support of the organization.
Boone managed to keep tabs on the goings-on at spring training while away, even when resigned to a hospital bed. Yankees bench coach Carlos Mendoza revealed Thursday morning that Boone reached out to him Wednesday only hours after surgery.
Now, with an encouraging prognosis and Boone feeling “great,” it won’t be long until he’s back to preparing the Yankees for the 2021 MLB season.
The Yankees will open their season with a showdown with the division-rival Toronto Blue Jays on April 1.
More must-reads: