A's pitcher Brandon McCarthy has surgery for skull fracture By QMI Agency

Athletics starting pitcher Brandon McCarthy is taken out of the game by trainer Nick Paparesta (right) and manager Bob Melvin (second left) after being hit in the head with a line drive against the Angels at O.co Coliseum in Oakland, Calif., Sept. 5, 2012. (THEARON W. HENDERSON/Getty Images/AFP)

Pitcher Brandon McCarthy, who was hit on the head by a line drive Wednesday, has undergone surgery after suffering an epidural hemorrhage, brain contusion and skull fracture, the Oakland Athletics announced Thursday.

The A's said a CT scan following the operation showed improvement in McCarthy's condition.

"Our first concern is Brandon's health, and we are heartened to learn he has shown progress in his recovery after surgery," A's general manager Billy Beane said. "We are glad to report he is stable, awake and alert."

McCarthy was hit by a well-struck ball off the bat of Anaheim Angels' Erick Aybar. Initial indications were that McCarthy, who was taken to hospital for observation, did not suffer a serious injury.