Masahiro Tanaka took a line boost to the head as he threw his teammate Giancarlo Stanton was a terrifying moment for baseball, but the news since then has been nothing but good.
So good, in fact, that the New York Yankees right-hander returned to Yankee Stadium just two days after the driving line, according to ESPN’s Marly Rivera.
Tanaka’s official diagnosis is reportedly a mild concussion and he apparently had no symptoms in New York on Sunday. Pretty good for a guy who reportedly took a driving line to his head, measured at 112 mph.
Tanaka had been sent to NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital and was released on Saturday. She posted a tweet stating that she still felt some effects, but overall it felt good.
I appreciate all the support. I’m a little sorry now, but I’m fine. I’m going to try to get back to the mound as soon as possible! Thanks again for all the words of encouragement!
– 田中 将 大 / MASAHIRO TANAKA (@ t_masahiro18) July 5, 2020
Tanaka currently occupies a rotating position behind newly acquired ace Gerrit Cole, and will look to improve on his 4.45 ERA from last year. He is emerging from a low season in which bone spurs were removed from his throwing elbow.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone said the team “dodged a bullet” with Tanaka’s forecast.
From ESPN:
“He came around noon today and was in a very good mood,” Boone said. “I slept very well at night; no loss of appetite. We are encouraged where it is and we will take it day by day, but I hope it is not something that will take too long. Since arriving at the hospital, you are practically symptom free and feeling well .. . [was] in a good mood showing up today so I think we’re really excited at this point. “
The Yankees are still on the way for an Opening Day matchup against the Washington Nationals on July 23.
It looks like Masahiro Tanaka is going to be fine. (AP Photo / Adam Hunger)
