Shoemaker suffers fractured skull on comebacker

Los Angeles Angels pitcher Matt Shoemaker suffered a small skull fracture and small hematoma after being hit in the head by a Kyle Seager comebacker during Sunday's game against the Seattle Mariners.

A CT scan taken at a Seattle hospital confirmed the diagnosis. Shoemaker will remain in the hospital and see a neurologist later Sunday.

Angels vice president of communications Tim Mead tweeted that Shoemaker is able to speak and is "doing well considering the trauma."

Shoemaker was hit in the side of the head by Seager's 105-mph line drive, which caromed into foul territory. The 29-year-old appeared dazed and fell to his hands and knees as his teammates and training staff from both teams immediately came to his aid in front of the pitcher's mound. He was able to walk off the field with help from trainers to a standing ovation from Mariners fans.

(Courtesy: MLB.com)

''That was probably the scariest thing I've ever seen on a baseball field,'' Seager told reporters after the game.

Shoemaker's injury was initially described by the team as a laceration to the side of the head.

The right-hander came into Sunday's contest sporting a 3.91 ERA and a team-leading 141 strikeouts over 158 2/3 innings pitched this season.