Baseball was the least of Chris Bassitt’s concerns after the Athletics right-hander was hit in the face by a Brian Goodwin line drive on August 17, as Bassitt had to undergo surgery to fix fractures in his jaw and cheek. When Bassitt emerged from that surgery, however, his focus turned towards returning to the mound before the end of the 2021 season, and he now looks closer to making that hope into a reality.
Bassitt took part in some fielding drills today and also threw his first bullpen session, tossing 35 pitches. He is slated for another bullpen Wednesday under simulated-game conditions. It isn’t yet known what path the A’s will take with Bassitt after Wednesday’s session, though manager Bob Melvin told MLB.com’s Martin Gallegos and other reporters that Bassitt could end up pitching “multiple outings” before the year is out.
Depending on Bassitt’s progress, this could mean multiple starts, multiple appearances as a reliever, or perhaps a mixture of both. Bassitt told Gallegos and other media that he is open to working in whatever capacity the A’s need as the team continues to battle for a wild card spot.
“I’m surprised it’s going as smoothly as it is because of how much crap was wrong,” Bassitt said. “But once I had surgery and realized I’m going to be OK, I’m not surprised after that. I can deal with uncomfortable stuff. Watching the guys out there grinding and trying to get to the postseason is all the motivation I need.”
Bassitt was enjoying another standout season in Oakland’s rotation, posting a 3.22 ERA/3.76 SIERA over 151 innings with a very strong 5.7% walk rate and an above-average 25.2% strikeout rate. Potentially losing him as a full-time starter would undoubtedly be a blow for the Athletics, yet Bassitt might represent quite a weapon for an A’s bullpen that has seen its share of struggles in recent weeks. All will depend on Bassitt’s health, of course, though Bassitt as a multi-inning reliever or perhaps as a bulk pitcher (behind an opener) would strongly bolster the Athletics’ pitching mix down the stretch.
As an A’s fan I’d like to see him work out of the bullpen or in a “tandem” with an opener. However, I think Paul Blackburn poor performance means the A’s will need to push Bassitt into Blackburn’s spot in the rotation. As a baseball fan – I am just glad Bassitt is back on the field.
Such a shame when injuries like this happen. Hope he gets back on the mound soon.
Good to see him doing well. I assume he will wear some kind of protective mask for at least the rest of the season.
Fever pitch’s thoughts and prayers seem to be working. This is great
I was watching the game when Pillar caught a fastball in the face. Saw the replay when Harper caught one. I’m glad to say I didn’t see Bassitt’s mishap. There is sadly no way to avoid this, but I seriously admire these athletes for working their way back. All the power to them, they have guts (& probably bad dreams).
Bassits was painful, literally gut wrenching
Glad to see a safe recovery so far, will be wishing him well going forwards.
Really think he should slow it down. Pennant race or no- his long term welfare is much more important. Scary that he had no memory of pitching to Goodwin and refuses to watch video of the incident
I don’t want to see it and it didn’t happen to me. I couldn’t imagine being the guy it happened to wanting to see it and THEN going back out there to pitch again.
I think that’s kinda smart.
I agree it’s crazy he has no memory of any of it. Our brains are pretty remarkable in that way.