NORWICH, Conn. – Former New York Yankees manager Stump Merrill was hospitalized with heart problems but is expected to be released this week.

The 58-year-old Merrill manages the Norwich Navigators, the Yankees’ Double-A farm club. He is expected to rejoin the team at its home opener Friday, the organization said.

Merrill was admitted to William W. Backus Hospital on Monday after a regularly scheduled physical turned up heart irregularities, team officials said Wednesday.

Merrill was given blood thinners and will not need surgery, Navigators trainer Greg Spratt said.

Doctors recommended a few days of rest and a stress test before his discharge, which is expected to be Thursday or Friday, Spratt said.

Tony Perezchica will manage the Navigators in Merrill’s absence.

Merrill grew up in Brunswick and was a member of UMaine’s 1964 College World Series team.

Merrill managed the Yankees in 1990 and 1991, compiling a record of 120-155. He led Norwich to an 83-59 record last season and a second-place finish in the Eastern League’s Northern Division.