Yankees: Danny Farquhar to wear protective hat on the mound

Following his recovery from a brain hemorrhage suffered last April, Yankees relief pitcher Danny Farquhar will wear a special protective hat when on the field of play.

After collapsing in the White Sox dugout on April 20 due to a ruptured brain aneurysm, relief pitcher Danny Farquhar signed a minor league contract with the Yankees this winter in a bid to resume his major league career.

Farquhar, who turns 32 today, recently spoke to reporters about what it means to be given a second chance. Via Coley Harvey of ESPN:

"“Just to think 10 months ago that I would be here, you don’t know,” Farquhar said, smiling. “I am extraordinarily just … thankful.”"

Considering what Farquhar has endured and the miraculous comeback he’s undertaken, it’s still too early to confirm his chances of making the Yankees Opening Day roster.

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Following an offseason where the Yanks reloaded the bullpen by re-signing Zack Britton and inking Adam Ottavino, there’s no need to rush the seven-year veteran back into action.

And so on Friday, Farquhar threw his first big league bullpen session since that horrific night in Chicago. Farquhar tossed 27 pitches — a mixture of fastballs and breaking stuff.

His next test will come in batting practice; however, no matter when or where Farquhar steps on the field of play, he’ll do so wearing an MLB approved, specially designed Kevlar and foam-lined cap that cover’s the area near the left temple, where his surgical scar is.

Although the six-ounce product designed by Unequal Technologies took some time to fit Farquhar comfortably, he now says it feels just like a regular cap — and even wonders if MLB will one day mandate something similar for all pitchers.

According to the New York Post, Farquhar never doubted he’d once again take the mound and is eager to see how he performs against live hitters.

"“Facing a batter, I can’t wait to see what that feels like again,’’ Farquhar said. “Hitters will always let you know what your stuff is. I’m curious to have that feedback.”"

Manager Aaron Boone was optimistic to point out that he genuinely believes Farquhar can help the Yankees at some point in the 2019 season.

"“He’ll certainly have some opportunities, and the first thing for him is obviously getting through a full spring training with getting back, just in that everyday grind of being a ballplayer and being a big-league pitcher,” Boone said.“We feel like he could absolutely help us this year.”"

Regardless of how soon Farqhuar returns the majors, we’re all rooting for a safe and triumphant homecoming to the job he loves.