Shoemaker 'excited' to return, open to headgear

Matt Shoemaker, the Angels pitcher struck in the head by a line drive last month, says he's "excited" to return to the mound in 2017 and is open to wearing protective headgear in the future.

In an interview with ABC's "Good Morning America," Shoemaker recalled the Sept. 4 incident, in which he was hit on the right side of his head by a line drive from Seattle's Kyle Seager. The ball had an exit velocity of 105 mph, according to MLB Statcast.

The right-hander sustained a small skull fracture and hematoma. He was released from the hospital two days after undergoing surgery to stop additional bleeding in his skull.

"I remember throwing the pitch, but I think it happened so quick, I didn't see…