However Major League Baseball pitcher Matt Shoemaker of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim might have trouble keeping his mind off it in the future after facing that possibility head on. General Manager Billy Eppler said the surgery, performed by Dr. Manuel Ferreira, was successful and that Shoemaker was speaking.
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He was struck in the right side of the head by a 105mph line drive off the bat by the Seattle Mariners’ Kyle Seager during their game at Safeco Field on Sunday, the Los Angeles Times reported. Trainers hurried to his aid, the crowd hushed and players rushed to be near.
Pedro Moura of the Los Angeles Times reported Shoemaker suffered a small skull fracture and hematoma as a result of the blow.
After examination at the ballpark demonstrated he was responsive, Shoemaker was transported to a local hospital.
Shoemaker was wheeled into surgery.
With the ball traveling 105 miles per hour when it left Seager’s bat, Shoemaker was given every precaution as he was helped to a local hospital to undergo a CT scan.
Shoemaker, who was pitching during the second inning, fell to the ground instantly after being hit.
The right-hander was taken in for surgery and will remain hospitalized in Seattle until he will be allowed to return to California.
Eppler said the 29-year-old Shoemaker – placed on the 15-day disabled list Monday – is expected to make a full recovery and be ready for next season.
The Angels haven’t announced Shoemaker’s replacement in the rotation but recently demoted veteran Tim Lincecum was mentioned as a possible candidate by manager Mike Scioscia.
“She’s a rock”, Eppler said. “They were able to access that area”. Seager also slowly walked over to the fallen pitcher as the training staff attended to Shoemaker.
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Scioscia said he and many of Shoemaker’s teammates have been texting him. “Our thoughts and prayers are with him”.
