Photos: Matt Shoemaker

It was during the second inning of a game against the Mariners when Matt Shoemaker was struck by a line drive off the bat of Kyle Seager.

Matt Shoemaker tended to by Angels trainers and coaches after he was hit in the head by a line drive on Sept. 4, 2016.

Angels pitcher Matt Shoemaker stretches before a workout at Wayne State Univesity on Jan. 17. He had just been cleared to resume baseball activities as part of his rehabilitation.

Matt Shoemaker loosens up during a workout at Wayne State University in Detroit. As part of his recovery, he has undergone an array of checkups, coordination quizzes and a concussion exam to compare his neurological state against an old baseline.

Matt Shoemaker was unable to eat and vety sensitive to light and sound in the days after his emergency brain surgery.

Said pitcher Matt Shoemaker of surviving a line drive to the head: “I know how easily it could have been different, and that’s why I’m so thankful to God.”

Matt Shoemaker plays with 2-year-old son Brady as 3-month-old daughter Emmy sleeps at their home in Rockwood, Mich.

Matt Shoemaker’s wife Danielle holds Emmy as he helps Brady with a coloring project at their home.