Oakland A’s pitcher Chris Bassitt has been one of the great stories in baseball. Once a highly regarded prospect, his career had been derailed due to injuries and a lack of opportunity at the major league level. Finally healthy in 2019, and given a full time role in the rotation in 2020, Bassitt has broken out, becoming the ace of the A’s staff.
On Saturday, he finally received his due. He was named as a replacement player to the All Star Game, his first trek to the Mid-Summer Classic.
MLB announces new All-Stars to replace several who bowed out due to injuries/etc. Newly named are SS Tim Anderson, SP Chris Bassitt, 2B Whit Merrifield, INF Joey Wendle, SP Walker Buehler, C Yadier Molina, SP Freddy Peralta, SP Max Scherzer, 3B Justin Turner, SP Taijuan Walker
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) July 10, 2021
Chris Bassitt heading to All Star Game
In theory, this should be Bassitt’s second All Star appearance. The pandemic shortened 2020 campaign cost him a chance to make that first appearance as the exhibition was canceled. However, there is no question that his breakout season last year would have been worthy of such a nomination.
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It should not have taken so long for Bassitt to receive the nomination this year either. He has been one of the better pitchers in the American League this year, posting a 3.41 ERA and a 1.072 WHiP in his 111 innings, striking out 115 batters with 28 walks. He has continued to do an excellent job of keeping the ball in the park, allowing just 11 homers on the season.
The A’s are certainly hoping that this is not the last of his All Star caliber seasons. Although Bassitt is 32 years old, he does not have that many innings on his arm due to his injury history. There are quite a few pitchers who suddenly found success in their 30s, unexpectedly becoming solid contributors for years to come.
Perhaps Bassitt can be that sort of pitcher. His arsenal does give hope that he can be someone that ages well, especially as he is not relying upon a blazing fastball for his success. He may not be the prototypical ace, but his production has been exactly that for the A’s since stepping into the rotation in 2019.
Chris Bassitt is finally getting his due. The Oakland A’s pitcher has been one of the better arms in the American League, and is heading to the All Star Game.