Big step following brain hemorrhage

CHICAGO — Danny Farquhar was back on the mound Friday, six weeks after having a brain hemorrhage during a game.

Joined by his Chicago White Sox teammates, family and medical caregivers on the infield, the right-hander threw the ceremonial first pitch before a game against the Milwaukee Brewers. His low-andaway toss to fellow reliever Nate Jones won’t affect a box score, but it counted big time for Farquhar.

The Brewers joined a sparse crowd at Guaranteed Rate Field in giving Farquhar, 31, a standing ovation.

“Just the ability to be out there, I feel like I’m very fortunate,” Farquhar said. “To look at all the people who also had brain issues in the ICU, it’s very humbling. Just being in there and then being able to throw the first pitch is incredible.”

A ruptured aneurysm caused Farquhar to pass out in the dugout during an April 20 game against Houston. He was rushed to a Chicago hospital, where he had surgery and remained in the neurological intensive care unit until May 7.

Farquhar said he remembers nothing from the time he walked to the bullpen at about 6:30 p.m. before the April 20 game until “four or five days later” when he woke up in the hospital with “20 something staples in his head and a drain coming out the other side.” He’s still dealing with memory problems.

Farquhar has been cleared to start throwing, however, “I just don’t know when it’s going to happen,” he said.

The right-hander hopes to pitch again in the majors.

David Banks / Associated Press Danny Farquhar, recovering from a brain hemorrhage, throws the ceremonial first pitch before the White Sox-Brewers game.