Oakland A’s manager Bob Melvin had indicated that his team needed a spark down the stretch, something that could light a fire under the team to spur a playoff push. That spark may be coming in the form of Chris Bassitt.
He had been feverishly working over the past few days, throwing four times in the past nine days in a push to return to the A’s rotation. That push has worked as he is set to start on Thursday.
Chris Bassitt will start Thursday, Bob Melvin says #Athletics
— Matt Kawahara (@matthewkawahara) September 21, 2021
Chris Bassitt coming back right when Oakland A’s need him
It is unlikely that Bassitt will be able to take on his full workload. Instead, it is far more likely that he will work in tandem with James Kaprielian, who is being sent to the bullpen to make room for Bassitt’s return. However, even if he can provide three or four strong innings on Thursday, that may be enough.
Slotting Bassitt on Thursday also makes it possible that he would have two more starts down the stretch. Based on the schedule, he could pitch on Tuesday and, in the event that the A’s needed to win on Sunday in order to reach the postseason, he would be in line for that start.
Just having Bassitt back on the mound after taking that line drive to the face would be a boost for the team. He did not seem likely to return at all this year, a crushing blow for a team that was sliding out of the playoff picture.
But Bassitt refused to give up. He had said that he would be working to get back on the mound this season almost the second he was released from the hospital, determined to make a difference in the A’s playoff hopes. Bassitt may be able to do just that.
Chris Bassitt is on his way back. The Oakland A’s ace is slated to take the mound on Thursday, getting the start in hopes he can be that spark they need.