Pittsburgh Pirates studio voice Kent Tekulve recovering from...

Former Pittsburgh Pirates relief pitcher Kent Tekulve is recovering from heart transplant surgery.

Allegheny General Hospital officials announced Tuesday that Tekulve was discharged on Friday after having the transplant on Sept. 5. He was on the waiting list for about eight months, officials said.

“He was in very severe heart failure. So much so that we thought he might not live,” said Dr. Raymond Benza.

The hospital released a statement from Tekulve and his doctors after Channel 11’s news exchange partners at TribLIVE first reported the surgery in an interview with Tekulve Monday night.

Tekulve works for Root Sports Pittsburgh, regularly appearing on studio shows before and after Pirates games.

Tekulve's surgeon, Dr. Stephen Bailey, said Tekulve is doing "extremely well" and should be "resuming normal daily activities very soon."

“He did very well initially, and came off the ventilator within 24 hours of his surgery,” said Dr. Stephen Bailey. “Much like his LVAD surgery, he bounced back remarkably quickly. He was up and chatting with us the day of his surgery.”

Tekulve thanked his family and friends, the Pirates, Root Sports, and the medical staff and expressed "eternal gratitude for the gift of life that I received through organ donation."

Tekulve hopes to resume his TV duties by spring training.

Root Sports sent Channel 11's Jennifer Tomazic the following statement Tuesday: "Since joining us in 2010, Teke has been a vibrant and significant part of our Pirates broadcasts," said Shawn McClintock, Senior VP and General Manager of ROOT SPORTS. "The passion he holds for the sport and the Pirates organization is not only unmatched, but apparent in the way he connects to fans with his analysis, and infectious personality. Even while off air this summer, Teke has remained completely engaged, watching every game and frequently checking in with us here at ROOT SPORTS. We know he is looking forward to getting back to what he loves and we are equally excited for his return in 2015 beginning with Pirates spring training."

Doctors said the next six weeks will be critical in Tekulve’s recovery because they have to do what they can to make sure his body doesn’t reject the heart.