Masahiro Tanaka hit in head by line drive during Yankees workout

Masahiro Tanaka was the victim of a frightening incident Saturday during a New York Yankees team workout.

Tanaka was hit in the head by a line drive off the bat of Giancarlo Stanton during a simulated game. The pitcher stayed down for several minutes before being helped off the field.

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 has been motionless on the mound for several minutes now after taking a line drive off the side of his head on a ball hit by Giancarlo Stanton.

— Erik Boland (@eboland11) July 4, 2020

A good sign for Tanaka hopefully pic.twitter.com/NDd5F1WqU7

— Brandon Guzio (@BrandonGuzio) July 4, 2020

This is terrifying and awful luck as well. Stanton’s reaction was telling, as was the fact that Tanaka’s teammates were quick to crowd around the mound to check on the pitcher.

Tanaka went 11-9 with a 4.45 ERA last season. He’s expected to be one of the mainstays of the Yankee rotation in 2020.