Aaron Boone has Open Heart Surgery

Aaron Boone, who signed with the Houston Astros in the offseason, underwent open heart surgery on Thursday. The surgery was performed after tests indicated that he needed a bicuspid aortic valve replacement.

The now 36-year-old Boone has said that he long knew of his condition but didn’t expect to require open heart surgery so soon. Despite not showing any symptoms, a physical before the start of the season alerted doctors that he needed the procedure.

The third baseman originally broke into the big leagues with the Cincinnati Reds in 1997. After playing with the Reds until 2003, Boone went on to play with the New York Yankees, Cleveland Indians, Florida Marlins and Washington Nationals. Last year with the Nationals, Boone hit six homers and had a batting average of .241.

Boone has said that the recovery from his surgery will take at least a few months. At this point, he’s unsure whether he will attempt a comeback to baseball.

According to reports, his father Bob Boone said that the surgery went smoothly.

Aaron Boone, Houston Astros (Image: Newscom)