David Ortiz Underwent 'Exploratory' Surgery Upon Arrival in Boston

Though Red Sox legend David Ortiz has officially arrived on a private plane to Boston to resume his recovery, that doesn't mean he's out of the woods yet.

Upon landing, Big Papi reportedly underwent another surgical procedure overnight, and visitation will be restricted for the next 24-48 hours as he marches towards a healthier state.

Ortiz is expected to be closely monitored for the next 24-48 hours. Visits will be very limited during that period. Doctors have said that they expect a full recovery. Ortiz has also been alert and has talked to his family and “even flashed that smile.” -That’s the latest update. https://t.co/jvcNun21Mh
— Marly Rivera (@MarlyRiveraESPN) June 11, 2019

In times like these, we live for updates that involve Papi flashing a smile, if we can't get something more definitive.

At this juncture, it seems beneficial that Ortiz was able to be airlifted to Mass General, and the city with which he's become synonymous. This second surgical procedure comes as somewhat unexpected news, however, especially since he was ruled stable and cleared to fly beforehand. His alertness and jovial nature in the aftermath, however, does not surprise us.

At Fenway Park, love pours out for David Ortiz, a ‘superhero without a cape’ ⁦@jcmccaffrey⁩. https://t.co/0PsraMlsQA
— Marc Carig (@MarcCarig) June 11, 2019

All that matters is that Big Papi's receiving a high quality of care during this daunting window. The next 48 hours could be crucial, and spent in solitude, and we look forward to more smile-related updates soon, now that this latest procedure is once again behind us.