New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone takes leave to undergo pacemaker surgery

TAMPA, Fla. — New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone is taking an immediate medical leave of absence from his post to receive a pacemaker, the club announced Wednesday afternoon.

Surgery is expected to be performed Wednesday at St. Joseph's Hospital in Tampa. 

“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,” said Boone in a statement.

“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."

Boone, who turns 48 on Tuesday, had open-heart surgery on March 26, 2009, to replace his bicuspid aortic valve, when he was a player. He returned to play for the Houston Astros that September.

Boone had known about the congenital defect since college, but at age 36, doctors determined he should undergo the procedure.

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