Los Angeles Angels P Matt Shoemaker using protective headwear

When Angels starter Matt Shoemaker takes the mound next week seven months after brain surgery, he will be wearing a protective headwear piece for protection.

Shoemaker, 30, was struck in the head by a line drive off the bat of Mariners third baseman Kyle Seager during a regular-season game Sept. 5 and required emergency brain surgery.

During his recovery from a skull fracture and subdural hematoma, Shoemaker tested several cap inserts and headwear options. He settled on a carbon fiber head guard that slides into the band on the inside of game-issue fitted caps

"The main reasons being, one, it's protective; two, it gives other people peace of mind," Shoemaker told the Los Angeles Times. "My peace of mind is fine. I could go out there and wear nothing, and I'm comfortable doing that. But if I don't feel it, don't know it's there, I might as well wear it."

Other pitchers already are using the insert, including Astros right-hander Collin McHugh.