Boone takes leave for pacemaker; Lester to have surgery

New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone took a leave of absence from the team to get a pacemaker and intends to return to work in a few days.

New York said the procedure was likely to be performed later Wednesday at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Tampa, Florida.

“It sounds like it’s going to be a short-term thing,” general manager Brian Cashman said. “I do applaud him for being very open and honest.”

Bench coach Carlos Mendoza took over as acting manager for Wednesday night’s exhibition against Toronto in Tampa.

Boone, 47, said in a statement the medical team is “confident that today’s surgery will allow me to resume all of my usual professional and personal activities and afford me a positive long-term health prognosis without having to change anything about my way of life. I look forward to getting back to work in the next several days.”

LESTER SURGERY >> Washington Nationals left-hander Jon Lester is leaving spring training camp to have surgery for the removal of his thyroid gland.

The 37-year-old Lester was to travel from West Palm Beach, Florida, to New York on Wednesday; the Nationals said the operation is planned for Friday.

“Hopefully he can pitch again in about a week,” Nationals manager Dave Martinez said. “We want him to get it taken care of now, so it’s not an issue.”

In 2006, Lester’s rookie season with the Boston Red Sox ended early because he was diagnosed with a form of lymphoma. He underwent chemotherapy treatments and returned to the Red Sox at spring training before the following season.

Lester is entering his 16th year in the majors and first with Washington. He was a free agent and joined the Nationals on a $5 million, oneyear contract after playing the past six seasons with the Chicago Cubs. PHILLIES 4, TIGERS 2 (7) >> Brad Miller had an RBI single and Andrew Knapp followed with a two-run double in Philadelphia’s four-run fourth inning. Zach Eflin allowed one run in two scoreless innings. Daniel Norris pitched two perfect innings.