Masahiro Tanaka hit by Giancarlo Stanton line drive during simulated game
New York Yankees pitcher Masahiro Tanaka was hit by a line drive while throwing a simulated game Saturday at Yankee Stadium.
The incident was captured by YES Network. Giancarlo Stanton was at the plate and hit a line drive back at Tanaka. The team confirmed Tanaka was hit in the head.
Masahiro Tanaka was hit in the head with a line drive from the bat of Giancarlo Stanton during a simulated game.pic.twitter.com/biProHbgeK
— Yankees Videos (@snyyankees) July 4, 2020
Tanaka, 31, laid on the ground and was attended to by trainers. Tanaka needed assistance leaving the field, but was mostly walking on his own, according to Erik Boland of Newsday.
Tanaka is now gingerly walking off the field with assistance from the #Yankees training staff. That was really a scary moment. pic.twitter.com/FGMGasjGfB
— Tom Hanslin (@TomHanslin) July 4, 2020
The Yankees said Tanaka was alert and responsive. He was sent to a local hospital for further evaluation, though was released just hours later.
RHP Masahiro Tanaka has been released from the hospital. https://t.co/nuCScPs4LS
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) July 4, 2020
Tanaka tweeted an update shortly after he was released from the hospital, promising everyone that he’s “all good.”
I appreciate all the support. I feel it a bit right now, but I’m all good. Going to try to get back on the mound ASAP! Thanks again for all the encouraging words!
— 田中将大/MASAHIRO TANAKA (@t_masahiro18) July 5, 2020
Following the incident, the Yankees moved the L screen out to the mound, according to Jake Seiner of the Associated Press.
New York had not set up and L screen for the live at bats, which is pretty standard. They have since rolled one out, and Jordan Montgomery is warming up behind it now. Stadium is dead silent except for his pitches.
— Jake Seiner (@Jake_Seiner) July 4, 2020
While talking to reporters on Sunday, Yankees pitcher James Paxton said that the ball that hit Tanaka had an exit velocity of 112 mph.
Paxton says the ball that hit Tanaka yesterday from Giancarlo Stanton had an exit velo of 112 mph. #Yankees
— Jake Seiner (@Jake_Seiner) July 5, 2020
Major League Baseball is hoping to begin the 2020 season in late July.
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