Brandon McCarthy of Oakland A’s takes line drive off his head

Oakland Athletics starting pitcher Brandon McCarthy, a Glendale native, was struck in the head by a line drive hit by Erik Aybar of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim during the fourth inning of Oakland’s 7-1 home loss Wednesday.

Aybar hit a ball that struck McCarthy in the right side of the head and knocked him to the ground. The ball caromed to third baseman Josh Donaldson, who tossed out Aybar.

McCarthy sat on the ground for several minutes while being examined by the team’s training staff. McCarthy then walked off the field under his own power while being applauded by the fans and was taken to a nearby hospital for observation.

McCarthy gave up three runs (all earned) and five hits in 3 2/3 innings to take the loss. McCarthy, a right-hander, dropped to 8-6.