CHICAGO — Danny Farquhar is healthy.
And come Wednesday, he’ll be in Birmingham, Ala., beginning the next phase in his baseball journey.
Farquhar, who nearly died after suffering an aneurysm last season, is back in the Chicago White Sox organization as a minor league pitching instructor.
“It’s a very special opportunity,” Farquhar said on Thursday during a conference call. “I’m really excited for it. It’s one of those things where they are letting me dip my foot in the water in 2019. They are going to send me to (Double-A affiliate) Birmingham to learn from (manager) Omar (Vizquel) and (pitching coach Richard) Dotson and all the other coaches out there. Just to see what the other side is about.”
On April 20, 2018, Farquhar collapsed in the Sox’ dugout shortly after pitching in a game against the Houston Astros at Guaranteed Rate Field. The reliever had suffered a ruptured aneurysm that caused a brain hemorrhage.
Farquhar underwent emergency surgery at Rush University Medical Center and was hospitalized until May 7.
“The aneurysm likely cut short his playing career, but he’s eager to continue on as a coach, and it’s something we have discussed with Danny going back well prior to the aneurysm,” Sox general manager Rick Hahn said on Wednesday.
“We think he has a great deal of upside and a great future in coaching and player development. We’re excited he decided to join us in the coming weeks.”
Farquhar went 3-1 with a 4.84 ERA with the Sox in 2017-18. In January, he signed a minor league contract with the New York Yankees, who released him on June 19.
Farquhar reached out to Hahn to discuss the coaching possibility. He also talked to assistant general manager Jeremy Haber, director of player development Chris Getz and assistant pitching coordinator Everett Teaford about an opportunity.
“I have nothing but good things to say about (the White Sox),” Farquhar said. “I loved my time there. I loved how they treated me through my injury. I loved even in the offseason when they chose not to renew my contract. It’s a business, I completely understand it. And I love them for it and I’m happy to be back.”
And the Sox are thrilled with Farquhar’s return.
“It’s pretty awesome,” Sox manager Rick Renteria said.
“It’s actually a great story. He has been through a lot. While he was here, everyone had a good feeling about him, great guy, everybody loved him.
“That he can come back as an instructor in the organization is fantastic. He’s a pretty bright young man, and to take some of the insight he’s learned from here and in his career, hopefully it will transition into something positive.”
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