Brandon McCarthy fully recovered from head injury

Pitcher Brandon McCarthy told MLB.com he has fully recovered from taking a line drive to his head last September and has no restrictions. The newly-signed pitcher for the Arizona Diamondbacks added that he passed a series of tests, and last week's signing by the team was evidence that the team believes the 29-year-old is ready to go.

"I was sort of hesitant as to what I could do or what I was capable of, and then once they pushed me through it, I realized actually I think I'm fine," McCarthy told MLB.com. "Ever since that day, I haven't been restricted by anything. I've felt no symptoms. Really it's become as much of a non-factor as something that major can be. I've resumed full workouts with no limitations. Haven't had even the slightest hint of a setback."

McCarthy signed a two-year deal worth $15 million with Arizona after passing a physical exam.

Last season, McCarthy went 8-6 for the Oakland Athletics with a 3.24 ERA before the hit to his head that caused hemorrhaging, a brain contusion and a skull fracture. McCarthy underwent a two-hour surgery following the hit, and he did not play for the rest of the season. He was cleared to play baseball in November.

McCarthy joins the front of a starting rotation that includes Ian Kennedy, Wade Miley and Trevor Cahill. The 6'7" right-hander played with Cahill in Oakland before Cahill left to Arizona before last season.