A's Pitcher Still in Danger After Line Drive Hits Him

The Oakland A's are in the thick of a playoff race, but players have a way more pressing situation to keep an eye on: A's pitcher Brandon McCarthy is in the hospital recovering from brain surgery after getting hit on the head by a line drive Wednesday. McCarthy was able to walk off the field, but he suffered an "epidural hemorrhage, brain contusion, and skull fracture," reports AP. He had surgery that same night to relieve pressure, and looks to be making good progress.

The 29-year-old has been able to get out of bed, recognize visitors, and eat solid foods, though he isn't talking yet because of pain, said the team's trainer. Asked whether McCarthy was still in a life-threatening situation, the trainer responded, "Absolutely he is. It's brain surgery. It's life-threatening. At any possible moment something could go wrong." The three-day window after surgery is key, so if McCarthy makes it through today without complications, his prognosis is much improved. (More Brandon McCarthy stories.)