If the Oakland Athletics are going to make a September surge to get into the playoffs, Chris Bassitt wants to be a part of it. Bassitt gave his first interview at Oakland Coliseum since he underwent surgery, and told reporters he wants to return to pitch for the A’s this season.
Bassitt was rushed to the hospital Aug. 17 after he was hit in the eye by a 100.1 mph line drive during a game. He was conscious and aware as he left the field. The issue required surgery, which Bassitt underwent Aug. 24.
Four days later, he was back at the Oakland Coliseum telling reporters he was ready to get back on a mound.
Bassitt said he was relieved to have avoided undergoing brain surgery. Once doctors told him he was going to OK, Bassitt started to think about returning this season. Bassitt added that the A’s front office will do everything it can to make sure he is OK, but if things go smoothly, he wants to pitch again in 2021.
Bassitt also said it felt good to be back at the ballpark. He was happy to see all his teammates, and admitted it was hard to sit in a hotel room for a week while he was away from the club.
Athletics fighting for postseason spot in AL
Prior to the injury, Bassitt was in the midst of one of his finest seasons as a pro. Through 151 innings, Bassitt has a 3.22 ERA with 154 strikeouts. That performance was good enough to get Bassitt to the All-Star Game for the first time in his career.
The A’s won’t rush Bassitt back, but the team could use him. Since Aug. 17, the Athletics have gone just 2-8. The team is currently 70-59, and sits 3.5 games back of the Boston Red Sox for the second wild-card spot in the American League.