Adam Rubin of ESPN New York is reporting that former Cy Young winner Frank Viola is scheduled to undergo open-heart surgery next Wednesday and will be unable to serve as pitching coach of the Triple-A Las Vegas 51s.
Viola, 53, had a heart issue detected during his initial spring-training physical. Viola spent the past three seasons as a Class A pitching coach for the Mets.
Ron Romanick is expected to replace Viola as the pitching coach for the Pacific Coast League team.
Very sad to hear… All of us at MMO wish Frank the best with his surgery, our prayers are with him.
