David Ortiz is in a stable condition in intensive care after having his gallbladder removed.
Baseball star Ortiz was shot in the back in a bar in his native Dominican Republic on Sunday night.
Local media say he was shot and wounded in Dial's disco, in the capital Santo Domingo.
It was initially reported that he was hit in the leg, but later sources said he was shot in the back and the bullet exited through his stomach.
Ortiz's spokesperson Leo Lopez confirmed the 43-year-old had spent six hours in surgery but was "out of danger".
It has been confirmed doctors had removed his gallbladder and part of his intestine during the operation, reports NBC.
The former Boston Red Sox star is in a stable condition in intensive care but is expected to be flown to Massachusetts General Hospital.
Lopez confirmed Ortiz woke on Monday morning and spoke briefly to his family.
Red Sox president and CEO Sam Kennedy added: "David’s condition is still serious, but he is stable enough to be transported back here to Boston."
Ortiz, 43, - known as Big Papi - played for the Boston Red Sox and the Minnesota Twins before retiring in 2016.
During his 14 seasons with the Red Sox he was an All-Star ten times and a three-time World Series Champion.
After initially signing for the Seattle Mariners in 1992, Ortiz made his name playing six seasons for the Minnesota Twins.
He signed for the Red Sox in 2003 and became 'one of the greatest designated hitters the game has ever seen'.
He helped the side end their 86-year World Series drought in 2004 and also took them to the title in 2007 and 2013.
The latter victory was months after the infamous Boston bombing, where three died.
