Major League Baseball anticipates making new, more broadly protective headwear available to pitchers next year, according to an Outside the Lines report.

The news comes after Bryan Mitchell of the New York Yankees became the fourth pitcher hit in the head by a line drive this year.

The new headwear, likely to include ear and temple protection on the pitcher's dominant (throwing) side, is in the works and expected to be offered to pitchers next spring, according to sources. The new product would resemble current single-flap helmets for batters.

Pitchers are and would remain free to wear any protective equipment, regardless of whether baseball has tested or approved it, as long as it doesn't conflict with on-field competition or licensing agreements.