"They want him to take his time because he needs to rest up. Knowing him, he'll want to be here tomorrow throwing to three groups in batting practice."
- Giants bench coach Ron Wotus (via MLB.com)
San Francisco Giants manager Bruce Bochy may be lucky that pitchers and catchers reported when they did. Chris Haft of MLB.com reports that the Giants medical staff noticed something was 'amiss' during Bochy's mandatory physical. He met with reporters shortly thereafter and was admitted to Scottsdale Regional Medical Center, just a long home run away from the team's Cactus League home. The hospital doctors examined his heart and determined immediate surgery was the best option.
There is no immediate report on the extent of Bochy's heart issue (i.e. percent blockage). Two stints were put in arteries near the heart during the surgery on Friday, and the recovery time will be just a couple of days. Within hours, Bochy was out of the hospital and resting. MLB.com reports that Bochy's son, Brett Bochy, a pitcher with the Giants organization, noted his father 'couldn't be in better spirits' and the incident 'wasn't scary' because of the attention his father received from highly-qualified professionals in a timely fashion (via MLB.com).
Bruce Bochy, 59, has led the Giants to three World Series Championships in the past five years. Because the team has not been built around high-priced free agents, he has become more and more regarded as one of the top skippers in the Major Leagues. It is wonderful that this has apparently been addressed and he will be back with the club so quickly. This should serve as a reminder to all men and women over the age of 50 to be checked regularly because heart problems frequently do not exhibit symptoms until a significant event is taking place.