PEORIA, Ariz. — Padres bullpen coach Darrel Akerfelds said Monday he plans to miss only limited time as he continues to receive treatment for pancreatic cancer.
Akerfelds, a former two- sport star at Columbine High School who played in the majors from 1986-91, was diagnosed with cancer in December. He is scheduled to undergo his sixth round of chemotherapy today in San Diego.
But when the Padres took the field for their first workout Monday, Akerfelds handled his regular coaching duties.
“Pitchers and catchers is a big day,” Akerfelds said. “Just to go out and see the guys and hear the gloves popping again, it’s a special feeling. To collectively hear six or seven mitts popping at one point, it’s kind of got a special sound to it. I feel great.”
Akerfelds is undergoing chemotherapy in order to shrink a tumor that is attached to a vein in his pancreas. Once doctors determine the tumor has shrunk enough, Akerfelds said he will undergo surgery.
Footnotes.
The Cardinals and representatives for first baseman Albert Pujols agreed to a 24-hour extension to reach a new contract out of respect for Stan Musial receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom in Washington today.
• Yankees ace CC Sabathia, through exercise and diet — “Not eating Cap’n Crunch every day” — has lost 25 pounds and weighed in at 290.
• Cubs reliever Carlos Marmol agreed to a three-year, $20 million contract.
• Cecil Kaiser, a left-hander who made $700 a month at the height of his Negro Leagues pitching career in the 1940s, died following a fall at his home in Southfield, Mich. He was 94.
The Associated Press
