Gophers pitching coach Todd Oakes has been diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia.
Oakes, a native of Jordan, Minn., went through his first physical therapy session Monday and was set to begin chemotherapy on Tuesday, according to his CaringBridge website.
Oakes went to the hospital on Thursday after waiting through five to six weeks of extreme fatigue and feeling “simply lousy,” his CaringBridge site said.
He was then admitted to the University of Minnesota Medical Center, Fairview, where he was diagnosed.
Oakes has been Minnesota’s pitching coach for 14 seasons, leading one of the most consistent pitching staffs in the Big Ten.
His son TJ Oakes was drafted in the 11th round by the Colorado Rockies last week and will forgo his senior year at Minnesota to play professional baseball.