OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — Brandon McCarthy’s hair is growing back fast and that big scar on the right side of his head hardly noticeable anymore.
The Oakland Athletics pitcher feels nearly normal just more than three weeks after undergoing brain surgery after taking a line drive off the bat of the Angels’ Erick Aybar on Sept. 5.
So good, in fact, doctors have cleared him to play light catch Saturday — a big deal in his recovery and for his immense boredom.
McCarthy stepped back on the field Friday night for the first time since his frightening injury to accept the A’s nomination for the Roberto Clemente Award. He was a bit emotional in the dugout earlier given the outpouring of support from fans, players and teams around baseball. He received a warm ovation.
