Yankees’ Boone is back after operation
Aaron Boone was bouncing back and forth between the field, the tower and bullpen Saturday morning. The first day he was back after having surgery to implant a pacemaker, the Yankees manager was at full speed watching workouts at the minor league complex.
That was before jumping in a car and heading to Bradenton, Fla., to manage his first game since the procedure.
“Felt good just to be at the ball field again competing with the guys. I felt really good,” Boone said after the Yankees’ 3-2 loss to the Pirates at LECOM Park. “A wet day, just glad we’re able to get it in and get guys the work they needed.
“But overall it just felt really good to be back out there.”
Boone left the team to have surgery Wednesday. The 47-year-old manager had been undergoing testing for a low heart rate for several weeks before, but kept it quiet until the day of the procedure. He stayed overnight in the local hospital and, after being released on Thursday, was planning his return. With MLB’s COVID19 protocols, Boone had to go through coronavirus testing, beginning on Thursday, before he could be allowed back with the team.
“It was a nice surprise, I thought he was going to get in here tomorrow, but he was able to get in a day early,” staff ace Gerrit Cole said after throwing a live batting practice session. “Good to see him back and feeling good.”
Astros
Free-agent pitcher Jake Odorizzi, who made the American League All-Star team while pitching for the Twins in 2019, agreed to a two-year deal with Houston. The 30-year-old right-hander pitched three seasons for the Twins, and was 22-18 with a 4.11 ERA. After going 15-7 in 2019, he was injured much of last season and made only four starts. He had a back injury, took a line drive to the chest and also was sidelined by a blister, and had a 6.59 ERA in 13⅔ innings.
Giants
Left-handed reliever Jose Alvarez signed a $1.15 million, one-year contract with San Francisco. The 31year-old will look to build off momentum he had with the Phillies last season when he posted a 1.42 ERA over eight outings. He was struck by a 105 mph line drive in the groin area Aug. 20 against Toronto and didn’t pitch for the rest of the year.
Mariners
Seattle’s top prospect Jarred Kelenic will be sidelined due to a strained adductor muscle in his left knee. Mariners general manager Jerry Dipoto said an MRI revealed the injury. No timeline was given for the outfielder’s return. “While disappointed that Jarred will be sidelined, we are relieved that the longterm outlook is positive,” Dipoto said. “We all look forward to seeing him back on the field in the near future.”