BALTIMORE – They made sure to put his return in proper perspective, since his absence was because of his father encountering a serious health problem.
Nevertheless, when they moved beyond Harlan Chamberlain being well enough for his son to leave Nebraska and rejoin their bullpen, the Yankees were pleased to have the premier setup man in baseball ready for action.
“He is excited to be back . . . this means his father is better,” manager Joe Girardi said of Chamberlain, who entered Camden Yards during batting practice and received a rousing cheer from Yankees fans as he jogged toward the left-field corner to stretch and play catch with bullpen coach Mike Harkey.
Chamberlain, who hadn’t worked a game since April 10, left the team Monday after learning his father collapsed last Sunday in Lincoln. He was immediately placed on the bereavement list.
Chamberlain returned to the mound last night to pitch a scoreless eighth inning. He walked one batter and struck out two.
Because he threw two bullpen sessions that were caught by friend Brooks Wells, Chamberlain said he was available to pitch last night despite the long layoff.
As for Harlan, among his first thoughts when seeing his son at the hospital centered on how much time Joba was going to miss.
“Before he could talk he asked the doctor how long it was going to take and he pointed at me,” Joba said.
When Chamberlain emerged from the dugout at 5:53 p.m., he was greeted by hugs from first base coach Tony Pena and pitching coach Dave Eiland. The hugfest continued in left field with LaTroy Hawkins, Ross Ohlendorf and Mariano Rivera embracing Chamberlain, a youngster many Yankees treat like a kid brother.
After he was done playing catch Chamberlain retreated to the wall down the left-field line and signed autographs. Chamberlain took the opportunity to thank the entire Yankee family and God for making a very long week bearable.
“I want to thank everybody here and without Jesus Christ my dad wouldn’t be here,” Chamberlain said. “It’s hard not to break down when you see your teammates and coaches.”
Multiple tests done after Harlan could breathe without the help of machines concluded the problem was respiratory related.
“He will need a machine at night to breathe,” Joba said. “Hopefully he isn’t too stubborn to use it.”
In order to make room for Chamberlain, the Yankees sent Edwar Ramirez to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre (Triple-A). Ramirez, who arrived Friday when Jonathan Albaladejo was sent out, worked 21/3 innings Friday night and wasn’t going to be available last night.