Yankees’ give health update on Masahiro Tanaka following scary line drive
By Amy Kaplan
Yankees’ Masahiro Tanaka hit in head by line drive caught on video.
Spring Training took a scary turn on Saturday when Yankees‘ pitcher, Masahiro Tanaka, was hit in the head by a line drive. The ball was hit by outfielder Giancarlo Stanton in Yankee stadium while the team prepared to return to action during an uncertain time.
Tanaka was laying on the field for several minutes before he was helped off the field on his feet. Now, the team has updated on his status.
"RHP Masahiro Tanaka was hit in the head with a line drive during today’s sim game. He is currently alert, responsive and walking under his own power. He is being sent to NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital for further evaluation and testing. (h/t Pete Hoffman)"
The entire thing was caught on camera and quickly circulated social media.
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
Stanton is seen immediately reacting to the hit, dropping to his knees and hanging his head. He appeared to be visibly upset by the accident.
Masahiro Tanaka’s injury could impact the Yankees 2020 season
Tanaka is an internal part of the Yankees pitching lineup. If he ends up having to sit out any games in this shortened season it could devastate the pitching rotation. The Yankees also lost Luis Severino due to him needing Tommy John surgery in the spring.
The season is set to begin with a rumored Yankees vs. Nationals game to open up a nationally televised open day, though that has not been made official.
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