Oakland A’s give Chris Bassitt start for Game One
The Oakland A’s have chosen Chris Bassitt to take the ball for Game One of the ALDS against the Houston Astros.
Chris Bassitt has gone from afterthought to an integral part of the Oakland A’s rotation in less than three months. He had gotten his spot in the rotation due to A.J. Puk‘s injuries and seized the opportunity presented. In that time, he became the A’s best pitcher in 2020, a major reason as to why the A’s were able to capture the AL West crown.
That success has earned Bassitt another honor. He will get the ball for Game One as the A’s take on the Houston Astros.
Chris Bassitt will start Game 1 and Sean Manaea in Game 2, Melvin said #Athletics
— Matt Kawahara (@matthewkawahara) October 4, 2020
Despite a less than overpowering arsenal, Bassitt had emerged as a solid option in the rotation in 2019. He had posted a solid 10-5 record with a 3.81 ERA and a 1.194 WHiP in his 144 innings, striking out 141 batters with 47 walks. There was plenty of reason for the A’s to hope that Bassitt would continue to be that pitcher going forward.
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It turned out that Bassitt had another gear left. He was the A’s best starter in 2020, posting a 5-2 record with a 2.29 ERA and a 1.159 WHiP. In his 63 innings, Bassitt struck out 55 batters with just 17 walks. He also did an impressive job of keeping the ball in the yard, allowing just six homers all season.
Bassitt continued that success in the postseason. With the A’s facing elimination in the first round, he shut down the White Sox lineup, allowing just one run on six hits and a walk over his seven innings, striking out five batters. That performance kept Oakland alive, leading to their eventual series win.
This time, the A’s are not taking any chances. Bassitt is getting the ball in Game One of the ALDS as they look to take an early lead in the series. He has performed well against the Astros this season, allowing just five runs on 16 hits and six walks over his 17 innings, striking out nine batters. He has a great chance to give the A’s a jump on the series.
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Chris Bassitt is getting the ball for Game One of the ALDS. It is a well deserved nod.