Montgomery goes behind screen after Tanaka takes line drive in head

NEW YORK (AP) - The New York Yankees got a sobering reminder of how dangerous the game of baseball can be just a few moments into their first official summer camp workout on Saturday at Yankee Stadium when Masahiro Tanaka was hit in the head by a line drive.

Sumterite Jordan Montgomery did his best to make sure nothing like that happened to him.

The left-handed Montgomery, who is fighting for a spot in the Yankees' rotation, went on the mound right behind Tanaka. He made sure he threw from behind an L-shaped screen.

Montgomery requested an L-shaped screen be set up before he started throwing to hitters about five minutes after Tanaka walked off. Tanaka was pitching without a screen, even though they are commonly used during practiced and simulated games.

"Some people like doing it, some don't," Montgomery said. "I requested it after that, just because I was little shaken up."

Tanaka was alert and sent to a hospital after being hit in the head by a line drive off the bat of New York slugger Giancarlo Stanton. Tanaka was released from the hospital Saturday night and entered concussion protocol.

Tanaka's hat flew off and he immediately collapsed to the ground and grabbed his head after being struck by Stanton's comebacker. Trainers quickly ran to the Japanese right-hander, who stayed down for a few minutes before sitting up.

"That's kind of a freak accident, one in a million chance of happening," said Montgomery. "When it does, it's terrifying."

Boone said Tanaka showed concussion-like symptoms at the ballpark but they dissipated at the hospital. A CT scan was negative, and the team said he was able to walk on his own.

Music playing through the PA system was shut off as Tanaka lay on the mound but was restored while Montgomery pitched. It played through the rest of the workout.

"I appreciate all the support," Tanaka tweeted. "I feel it a bit right now, but I'm all good. Going to try to get back on the mound ASAP! Thanks again for all the encouraging words!"

The 31-year-old Tanaka was 11-9 with a 4.45 ERA last season. The Japanese star is 75-43 in six years with the Yankees.

Montgomery is trying to come back after missing most of the past two seasons due to Tommy John surgery.