ANAHEIM, Calif. — Angels shortstop Erick Aybar is still haunted by the line drive he hit Wednesday that struck Oakland A’s pitcher Brandon McCarthy in the head, calling the past two days “tough” and saying he’s praying for a full recovery.
McCarthy was reported in stable condition in an Oakland hospital after undergoing surgery for a skull fracture and brain contusion.
Aybar, who has left two messages on McCarthy’s phone to check on the pitcher, issued this statement through the Angels:
“It has been a tough last two days for me as I keep replaying in my head when the ball struck Brandon. I am encouraged and thankful to know he has made significant progress, and I keep praying to God to help him recover quickly and fully. I also pray for him and his wife. Our game is a tight brotherhood, and right now we all wear the same uniform colors.”
Angels general manager Jerry Dipoto said in a statement, “From the moment Brandon was struck by that line drive, he has remained in the thoughts and prayers of not only our organization but countless others throughout the baseball community.
“That support will continue for Brandon and his wife Amanda as he begins the recovery process from yesterday’s surgery. I am certain the discipline, commitment and inner strength Brandon has had to become an elite athlete will serve him well in the days and weeks ahead.”
McCarthy was drilled on the right side of his head by a line drive off Aybar’s bat in the fourth inning Wednesday at Oakland Coliseum. He immediately fell to the ground but eventually sat up and walked off the field under his own power.
He was taken to a local hospital, where a CT scan showed an epidural hemorrhage, brain contusion and skull fracture. He was transferred to another hospital, where he underwent two hours of surgery to relieve pressure in his head.
Manager Mike Scioscia said pitching coach Mike Butcher left a voicemail for McCarthy on behalf of the team after the game, and a team spokesman said Aybar left messages for McCarthy on Wednesday and Thursday.
