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April 18, 2008

Chamberlain's father improving; no word yet on return to Yankees

April 18 (Bloomberg) -- New York Yankees relief pitcher Joba Chamberlain said his father's medical condition has improved, giving no word on returning to the team.

Chamberlain, placed on the bereavement list by the Major League Baseball club on April 14, said in a statement that his father, Harlan, was off a ventilator and breathing on his own at a hospital in Nebraska.

"Each day, he's acting more and more like himself, and he's even giving people grief -- myself included -- because the hospital doesn't carry Yankees games on television," the pitcher said in a statement distributed by the team.

Chamberlain said he looked forward to returning to the Yankees "so I can thank each of them personally for all that they have done for my family."

Harlan Chamberlain, who has a history of medical problems, collapsed at his home in Lincoln, Nebraska, on April 13, as the Yankees were completing a three-game series with the Red Sox in Boston. Joba Chamberlain flew to be with his father as the team moved to series on the road against Tampa Bay and at home against Boston. They start a weekend series in Baltimore tonight.

Chamberlain, the primary set-up pitcher for closer Mariano Rivera, hasn't allowed a run in four games this season, striking out six and giving up three hits in 5 1/3 innings. His record is 1-0.

Posted by Mike McDermott  at 2:23 PM | Permalink

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