Son's Return to Baseball Doesn't Surprise Boone

SAN DIEGO, Sept. 1 -- When Aaron Boone learned in March about a heart condition that would require surgery, he feared the end of his career.

When he was transferred to the 60-day disabled list in April, the transaction listed in small print in the newspaper -- "heart surgery-out for season" -- discounted any chance of a comeback.

But Tuesday, as Boone rejoined the Houston Astros' roster just five months after having a heart valve replaced, at least one person played down the notion that any of this is surprising.

"Like I told him," Washington Nationals assistant general manager Bob Boone said, "You're a Boone."

Aaron Boone, who played in 2008 with the Nationals, was not in the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field. But he'll take the field some time within the next couple days -- pinch-hitting, perhaps even starting.

Thursday, Boone's mother plans to fly to Milwaukee for the next stop on the Astros' road trip. And if Boone gets a heads-up that he'll get a start, brother Bret will join, too. But Bob, currently with the Nationals in San Diego, has no plans to commemorate the special occasion.

"I really wasn't surprised," Bob Boone said.

"He's on their roster as of today, so hopefully he can do something positive." Boone smiled. "Earn his money, you know."

No Call-Ups Yet

As of right now, the Nationals do not plan to take advantage of their expanded roster until Sept. 7, when the season ends for Class AAA Syracuse. Once the Chiefs finish up, several pitchers will likely be among the call-ups. Just one caveat: If Syracuse makes the playoffs -- the team entered Tuesday 3 1/2 games behind first-place Scranton-Wilkes Barre -- those call-ups will again be delayed.

"We have some guys playing down there that will come up here, but right now they are getting the opportunity to play in a playoff atmosphere," interim manager Jim Riggleman said. "They're going to play some real meaningful games."

Nats Affiliate Eyes Title

The GCL Nationals, Washington's affiliate in the Gulf Coast League, advanced to the league's championship series for the second consecutive year by defeating the GCL Twins, 1-0, in 12 innings on Tuesday. The GCL Nationals will play the GCL Marlins in the best-of-three championship series, which begins Wednesday in Jupiter, Fla. . . .

Syracuse pitcher Marco Estrada, a candidate to be called up to Washington later this month, was chosen as the International League's player of the month.

The 26-year-old right-hander made six starts in August and went 4-0 with a 1.15 ERA.