NEW YORK – In a frightening moment at Yankee Stadium, Masahiro Tanaka was struck in the head by teammate Giancarlo Stanton’s blistering line drive …
NEW YORK – In a frightening moment at Yankee Stadium, Masahiro Tanaka was struck in the head by teammate Giancarlo Stanton’s blistering line drive during a Saturday afternoon simulated game.
The Yankees pitcher appeared to have avoided serious injury; a CT scan came back negative and Tanaka was released from NewYork-Presbyterian hospital just before 8 p.m.
Afterward, an upbeat-sounding Tanaka posted in English to his verified Twitter account: «I appreciate all the support. I feel it a bit right now, but I’m all good,» adding that he was «going to try to get back on the mound ASAP!
«Thanks again for all the encouraging words!»
According to manager Aaron Boone, the concussion-like symptoms Tanaka exhibited had dissipated, but he’ll be in concussion protocol for the time being.
“I’d say right now he’s doing well,’’ Boone said. “Feel like we’re getting good news on that front.’’
Tanaka was participating in his first simulated game of summer training, for the delayed MLB season, when he was struck on the right side of his head.
After about 10 long minutes had passed, Tanaka was helped to his feet and escorted slowly to the dugout and into the clubhouse, walking tentatively with two medical staff members assisting him.
Boone described Tanaka as being “alert and aware’’ while he was prone on the mound, “but you always worry about the next minutes and hours.
