It was a frightening scene at Guaranteed Rate Field on Tuesday night. Oakland A’s pitcher Chris Bassitt was face down on the mound after being struck in the face by a line drive. Blood was clearly visible as it ran down his arm, making it easy to assume the worst.
Amazingly, it appears as though Bassitt will be relatively fine. He suffered a broken cheekbone that will require surgery and two cuts on his face that required stitches. Bassitt was released from the hospital on Wednesday, and is expected to undergo that surgery later this week.
A’s release an official medical update on Chris Bassitt. All things considered it seems like good news for his long term health. Thoughts with him and his family as he continues to recover. pic.twitter.com/bjCQfrXPMm
— Melissa Lockard (@melissalockard) August 18, 2021
Oakland A’s provide great news about Chris Bassitt
There had been cautious optimism when Bassitt was carted off the diamond. He was conscious and alert, aware of his surroundings and what had happened. Although he needed to undergo various tests, there was hope that he had, at the very least, avoided a concussion and damage to his vision.
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That has proven to be the case. Bassitt still has, at worst, 20/20 vision and avoided any damage to his eye. He was cleared of any concussions or internal injuries as his scans came back perfectly. Although he does still need to undergo surgery for those facial fractures, Bassitt may not have the lengthy stay on the Injured List that had seemed inevitable.
While Bassitt will clearly need a stint on the IL, it may not last as long as one would have expected. There will be a clearer picture as to when he will return once he has undergone surgery and it is known whether or not any more extensive procedures will need to be done. Likewise, the A’s are going to want to get Bassitt back on the mound to face live hitters in some fashion before he enters the rotation once again.
Getting Bassitt back as soon as possible will be a major boost for the A’s. As it is, the Yankees are charging hard for a playoff berth, and with Oakland in the midst of a difficult spot on the schedule, these games matter even more. A short sting on the IL may be possible.
The Oakland A’s provided some great news regarding Chris Bassitt. He has been released from the hospital and is doing well.