Injured A’s pitcher McCarthy jokes on Twitter

SAN FRANCISCO — Brandon McCarthy is back to his Twitter-happy self, a positive sign for the Oakland Athletics after the pitcher was struck in the head by a line drive this week.

The 29-year-old McCarthy underwent two hours of surgery late Wednesday to relieve pressure on the brain after the ball hit the right side of his head. He experienced an epidural hemorrhage, brain contusion and skull fracture on the play off the bat of the Angels’ Erick Aybar.

McCarthy, Oakland’s opening day starter, is 8-6 with a 3.24 ERA this year in his sixth big league season and second with the A’s. He went 9-9 with a 3.32 ERA last season.

McCarthy joked Saturday: “The good news in all of this, is that I set up my fantasy lineups beforehand. So there shall be no excuses at this point.”

Earlier, he made a funny reference to how “crazy” he is for the children’s pain medication he gets — and “can’t believe they give it to kids.” In response to a get-well greeting from 49ers All-Pro linebacker Patrick Willis, McCarthy quipped, “Thanks, buddy, I feel like I just got hit by you.”

His lighthearted posts came a day after trainer Nick Paparesta said in Seattle that McCarthy was still in a “life-threatening” situation. Paparesta said Saturday at Safeco Field that the pitcher had been examined by a neurosurgeon earlier in the day and is progressing nicely. McCarthy was able to ask his own questions to doctors about his condition, too.

McCarthy is recovering in a Bay Area hospital, and might soon be moved to a transitional care unit in the building that is one step closer to a regular hospital room.

Paparesta said the first few days after a traumatic head injury are crucial.

“I’d give him one more day. I think with any head injury, you need to be cautious, and that’s where we are,” he said. “There is caution there. But the progress has been great and we’re all very excited about it.”

His wife, Amanda, also has been regularly posting on Twitter as usual.

When asked about McCarthy’s Twitter posts, Paparesta was encouraged.

“I think that that’s great. As you can tell they are his thoughts, and that’s important,” Paparesta said. “People are able to see that he’s still got it all together.”

Before the Dodgers-Giants afternoon game at AT&T Park, players in both clubhouses were eager to hear updates about McCarthy’s progress.

“That scares me so much,” Giants manager Bruce Bochy said while seeking an update on McCarthy’s injury.

Paparesta said McCarthy’s long-term health and wellbeing — not his baseball career — is the priority.

Everyone is concerned.

“Oh yeah, guys talk about it to see what happens,” Los Angeles manager Don Mattingly said. “It kind of reminds you just how dangerous, what can happen and how fast it can happen. It puts it in perspective of what you’re doing.”

Dodgers second baseman Mark Ellis played with McCarthy for part of 2011 with the A’s before being traded to Colorado. While Ellis said it’s always good to see someone get up from such a frightening moment, that doesn’t always mean everything is OK.

“It’s especially hard when you played with a guy to see something like that,” Ellis said. “You’re happy to see him get up, but I’m so glad they did all the tests to make sure.”

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Arlington’s Leyton Martin (2) poses for a photo at Arlington High School on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Arlington, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Boys Basketball Player of the Year: Leyton Martin

Arlington’s do-it-all junior point guard led the Eagles to a district title and second straight Hardwood Classic.

X
Prep roundup for Thursday, March 28

Prep roundup for Thursday, March 28: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Left to right, Mountlake Terrace’s Zaveon Jones, Glacier Peak’s Jo Lee, Everett’s Isaiah White, Arlington’s Leyton Martin, Jackson’s Ryan McFerran, and Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel pose for a photo at Arlington High School on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Arlington, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area boys basketball teams

A look at the top prep boys basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Silvertips’ Andrew Petruk (26) fights for the puck during a game between the Everett Silvertips and the Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Breaking down the Silvertips’ 1st-round playoff series vs. the Giants

Everett is searching for a revenge after a shocking playoff exit against Vancouver two years ago.

Left to right, Arlington’s Samara Morrow, Kamiak’s Bella Hasan, Everett’s Alana Washington, Lake Steven’s Nisa Ellis, Lynnwood’s Aniya Hooker, and Meadowdale’s Gia Powell, pose for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area girls basketball teams

A look at the top prep girls basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Everett’s Alana Washington poses for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Girls Basketball Player of the Year: Alana Washington

The Everett senior upped her game in the postseason to help the Seagulls overcome injuries and claim their first state trophy in 41 years.

Silvertips players celebrate during a game between the Everett Silvertips and Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024. The Silvertips won, 5-3. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Silvertips land No. 1 pick, chance to draft generational talent

Landon DuPont is the consensus top pick in next WHL prospects draft. Everett chief operating officer Zoran Rajcic said the team intends to select him.

Dennis Williams, head coach and GM of the Everett Silvertips, shakes hands with an assistant coach at the end of a season opening victory over the Vancouver Giants on Saturday, Sep. 24, 2022, at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Coach, GM Williams leaving Silvertips for Bowling Green State

After seven successful season leading Everett, Dennis Williams is heading back to his alma mater. He’ll stay with the Tips through the WHL playoffs.

Stanwood High School student athletes during their signing day ceremony. (Courtesy of Stanwood High School)
Local class of 2024 athletes who have signed to play in college

A running list of 2024 high school athletes who are set to compete at the next level.

Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel talks with head coach Nalin Sood during the 3A boys state basketball game against Todd Beamer on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024 in Tacoma, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘It was just time’: Mountlake Terrace basketball coach Sood steps down

Nalin Sood guided his alma mater to 381 wins and 15 state berths in 24 seasons as head coach. He spent over four decades with the program.

University of Washington's new men's basketball coach Danny Sprinkle meets the news media, Wednesday, March 27, 2024 in Seattle. (Ken Lambert/The Seattle Times via AP)
Taking over at Washington personal for men’s basketball coach Sprinkle

Danny Sprinkle spoke about his connection to the school during his introductory press conference Wednesday.

X
Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26

Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.