Oakland A’s slide shows Chris Bassitt’s importance
By David Hill
Friday night ended in what has become a familiar result for the Oakland A’s. Despite having their best starter on the mound in Sean Manaea, they fell to the Yankees 8-2, their quest for a postseason berth continuing to lose momentum by the day.
That loss also showed something else – how important Chris Bassitt has been to the A’s this season. The A’s had been on a two game losing streak entering Bassitt’s start on August 17; however, at 68-51 entering the day, were still in possession of a playoff berth and within striking distance of the Astros.
Chris Bassitt proving to be major loss for Oakland A’s
Since Bassitt was struck in the face with a line drive and likely lost for the year, the A’s have been unable to get on track. They have lost eight of their ten games since that time, not only falling out of the playoffs, but are in danger of dropping behind the Mariners in the division.
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Several of those losses have been crushing. The Giants had a pair of comeback victories in the ninth inning, and Lou Trivino has struggled lately. Those losses, coupled with Bassitt no longer being a part of the rotation, have completely taken the wind out of the A’s sails.
It is easy to see why. Bassitt had established himself as an unexpected ace for Oakland, the stopper that no one expected to emerge. He had posted a 3.22 ERA and a 1.046 WHiP over his 151 innings, striking out 154 batters with only 35 walks. His increased strikeout rate this season added another element, allowing Bassitt to take that step forward to be the ace of the A’s staff.
There is still another month to go. The A’s may well ride the wave back to a playoff berth, breaking out of their slump. All it takes is one dramatic victory to change the tide, to have one player step up and deliver in that big moment. Bassitt had been that pitcher for much of this year. Now, it is time for someone else to take on that mantle.
Next. Davis could power his way back to Oakland. dark
The Oakland A’s have not been the same since they lost Chris Bassitt. His injury may prove to be the one thing the A’s could not overcome.