Danny Farquhar's "comeback" begins Friday, though throwing out a ceremonial first pitch isn't actually the start of his return to the White Sox.
Farquhar is out for the 2018 season after suffering a brain hemorrhage from an aneurysm in the Sox dugout on April 20, a life-threatening injury that put his baseball career on the back-burner.
He was released from Rush University Medical Center on May 7 and is recovering at home, having made a couple of trips to the ballpark to see his teammates, coaches and friends.
Doctors deemed Farquhar strong enough to make the first pitch, which figures to be an emotional moment for him and the Sox. Farquhar and his wife, Lexie, will meet with the media afterward.
Of course if it was up to Farquhar, he'd be back on the mound later this year, doing the job he loves and making a real comeback.
"I know he wants to, there's no doubt about it," starter James Shields said. "I know he's talked to us about his rehab and already is doing walking lunges and all this other stuff.
"Just to be able to see him so positive about it, where he's at and where he could've been, it's an amazing journey and it's been really fun to watch. We're so happy he's really doing well.
"To be able to see and pick up a ball again and be able to throw it, and see how he's doing and recovering and doing really well, it's been an amazing process to watch. I'm really happy for him and his family."
The story has received national attention, and the Farquhar family has sent postcards to all fans who've sent messages to Danny via the White Sox, saying the "love and support you have shown me and my family is overwhelming," and thanking them for their support.
Manager Rick Renteria recently said it was up to the doctors to decide when or if Farquhar could sit in the Sox dugout or in the bullpen for a game. It could be an inspiration to his teammates, but it could be too physically draining at this stage of the recovery process.
Shields said the Sox draw inspiration from Farquhar's improvement alone.
"To watch what he's gone through and how strong he's been, it really gives us motivation for what we do," Shields said. "We can't take life for granted, and we'll keep praying for him."
