LAKELAND, Fla. _ Danny Farquhar's return to a mound in a game gets closer still.
It even, maybe, has a specific date.
The Yankees right-hander, trying to return to the big leagues after suffering a brain hemorrhage, the result of a ruptured aneurysm, last April 20 during a relief outing with the White Sox, struck out three and allowed a homer in 1 2/3 innings of a simulated game Wednesday morning.
"I'm ready for a real game," the 32-year-old right-hander said after the session at Steinbrenner Field. "I saw my name on the board for Saturday and I was freaking out this morning when I saw it. I'm excited."
The Yankees, who signed Farquhar to a minor-league deal in January, play the Pirates on Saturday afternoon in Bradenton. It should be noted that teams typically bring more pitchers to a spring game than will be needed so it's not guaranteed Farquhar will pitch. Regardless, if it's not Saturday, it assuredly will be soon after.
"The way he's throwing the ball," said Aaron Boone, who watched the sim game, "he seems ready to go."
