15h08: The bank’s technician, Carlos Mendoza, will replace Boone during his absence, Joel Sherman of the New York Post was among those to tweet.
14h22: The Yankees announced Wednesday that coach Aaron Boone will take immediate medical leave to receive a pacemaker. He will be operated in the late afternoon in Tampa. Boone offered the following statement:
As many of you know, I underwent open heart surgery in 2009 and I wanted everyone to understand where I am in relation to the procedure that is taking place today. In the past six to eight weeks, I have had mild symptoms of dizziness, lack of energy and shortness of breath. As a result, I underwent a series of tests and exams in New York before spring training began, including several visits to a team of heart specialists. Although the cardiac checkup was back to normal, there were signs of low heart rate that, after more consultations with doctors in Tampa, required a pacemaker.
My faith is strong and my spirit is high. I am in a great mood because I know that I am in good hands with the doctors and medical staff here at St. Joseph’s Hospital. They are confident that today’s surgery will allow me to resume all my usual professional and personal activities and will provide me with a positive long-term health prognosis, without having to change anything in my way of life. I look forward to getting back to work in the next few days, but during my short term absence, I have complete confidence that our coaches, team and players will continue their training and preparation at the same level as we did and without any interruption.
There is no clearly defined timetable for when Boone, who turns 48 next week, will return to the club. However, the manager’s use of “short-term absence” and the mention of returning to work “in the next few days” indicates that he is not envisaging a particularly long leave. The Yankees noted that general manager Brian Cashman will meet with reporters later in the afternoon, and the team will certainly provide updates on Boone as he recovers from the procedure.