The line that hit Yankees pitcher Masahiro Tanaka in the head on Saturday but miraculously did not cause serious injury, he came off the bat at 112 mph, teammate James Paxton told reporters Sunday.
Tanaka was hit on the right side of his head by a Giancarlo Stanton bat line hit, whose tee speed, which measures baseball’s velocity when he comes off the bat, generally sits near the top of the majors.
The 31-year-old right-hander immediately fell to the ground and remained motionless before leaving the field with the help of Yankees medical personnel.
Tanaka was taken to NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital for further evaluation, but has since been discharged and entered the concussion protocol. A CT scan was negative, said manager Aaron Boone.
“I appreciate all the support,” Tanaka wrote on Twitter on Saturday night. “I’m a little sorry right 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! ”
Saturday marked the official start of Spring Training 2.0. Opening day is expected to take place later this month.
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