Major League Baseball announced on Tuesday that it has approved head protection for pitchers.

"We're excited to have a product that meets our safety criteria," Dan Halem told "Outside the Lines," adding that baseball will continue its efforts to come up with more options.

"MLB is committed to working with manufacturers to develop products that offer maximum protection to our players, and we're not stopping at all."

Brandon McCarthy was struck in the head by a line drive and suffered life-threatening brain injuries nearly 17 months ago.

The newly approved caps, manufactured by 4Licensing Corporation subsidiary isoBlox, will be made available to pitchers for spring training next month. Their use is optional.