White Cleat Beat
Fansided

Chris Bassitt explains rationale for return this season

By David Hill

Sep 23, 2021; Oakland, California, USA; Oakland Athletics starting pitcher Chris Bassitt (40) delivers a pitch against the Seattle Mariners during the first inning at RingCentral Coliseum. Bassitt is making his first appearance since being hit in the face with a batted ball last month in Chicago. Mandatory Credit: D. Ross Cameron-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 23, 2021; Oakland, California, USA; Oakland Athletics starting pitcher Chris Bassitt (40) delivers a pitch against the Seattle Mariners during the first inning at RingCentral Coliseum. Bassitt is making his first appearance since being hit in the face with a batted ball last month in Chicago. Mandatory Credit: D. Ross Cameron-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

It would have been easy for Chris Bassitt to say he was done for 2021. After taking that line drive off the face, and watching the Oakland A’s collapse over the next month and a half, it would have been understandable if he decided to focus on being ready for next year. The A’s will certainly need their ace in 2022 as they look to return to the playoffs.

But that is not Bassitt’s way. Instead, he worked as hard as possible, throwing four times in a nine day span in order to return. That hard work paid off as he returned to the mound on Thursday, throwing 48 pitches over three shutout innings, striking out four batters.

Chris Bassitt explains why he battled to return in 2021

Even Bassitt’s return was not enough as the A’s lost their fourth consecutive game. Given those struggles, it was understandable that people questioned why he pushed himself to return. Bassitt took to Twitter to provide an answer to that question.

This shows not only how the players feel about their manager, but how much Bassitt has bought in to the A’s philosophy. He is willing to do whatever it takes to help the team win, even if that involves battling back to return to the mound in a lost season.

Likewise, he supports the idea of getting rid of those who will not be a part of that process. The A’s dugout was as somber as a funeral on Thursday when Matt Olson homered to cut the Mariners’ lead to one. While it is understandable that they were in a state of shock at how quickly everything fell apart, the team showed a lack of heart when they hoped Bassitt would be the spark to ignite their fire.

Next. A's ownership alienating fanbase. dark

Chris Bassitt explained why he pushed so hard to return to the Oakland A’s this year. The team needs more players like that for the roster.