KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Aaron Boone of the Houston Astros says he will have open heart surgery to replace an aortic valve.

Boone made the announcement Wednesday, saying he has known about his heart condition since college but a routine physical determined he needed surgery. It is not an emergency, but doctors indicated the procedure was needed.

He said doctors told him he could play baseball when he recovers, but he's not sure if he will.

Boone signed with the Astros in the offseason after spending last season with the Washington Nationals.