New York ? Tests determined that Marcus Giles has a healthy heart and he can keep playing baseball, a huge relief to the Atlanta Braves and their second baseman after he was told he might have a heart defect.

Giles was en route to Shea Stadium on Monday evening to rejoin his teammates, who played the New York Mets in the opener of a three-game series.

On Saturday, the scrappy infielder missed a doubleheader against the Phillies and visited a Philadelphia hospital, where he said he was told he might have a heart defect. He returned to Atlanta on Sunday for medical tests and was cleared to play.

Braves manager Bobby Cox said doctors thought the problem was related to acid reflux, a common condition that is easily treatable. No surgery is required.