TAMPA, Fla. (AP) - Danny Farquhar is lined up to pitch in a game for the first time since collapsing in the Chicago White Sox dugout last April 20 because of a ruptured aneurysm and brain hemorrhage.
The 32-year-old right-hander, at spring training with the New York Yankees under a minor league contract, is scheduled to pitch this weekend against Pittsburgh in Bradenton.
“I saw my name on the board for Saturday and I was freaking out this morning when I saw it. I’m so excited,” he said.
Farquhar pitched his second simulated game of spring training on Wednesday.
“I’m ready for a real game,” he said.
Farquhar had surgery the day after collapsing and was hospitalized until May 7. His wife, Lexie, and children Madison (7), Landon (3) and Liam (1) have been in attendance for his simulated games at Steinbrenner Field.
“You definitely see everything in rose colored glasses,” Farquhar said. “Like, just waking up and seeing the sun, it’s exciting. Waking up the kids in the morning and carrying them down the stairs to get into the car to take me to the field at like 6:40 is awesome. I love every part of it.”
Farquhar struck out three, induced a fly and grounder, and gave up a homer to Kellin Deglan.
“Another good day,” Farquhar said. “It was a learning experience not to throw 2-0 fastballs right down the middle because they’ll get hit very far. But I felt my changeup was excellent today. Fastball was good and curveball was OK.”
Farquhar has pitched in 253 games over seven big league seasons, going 10-15 with a 3.39 ERA and 18 saves for Toronto (2011), Seattle (2013-15), Tampa Bay (2016-17) and the White Sox (2017-18). He was 1-1 with a 5.63 ERA in eight innings over eight games last year, then became a free agent after the season.
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