Seth Udinski, FISM News
Oakland Athletics pitcher Chris Bassitt is recovering after a horrifying injury that he suffered in Tuesday’s 9-0 loss against the Chicago White Sox.
With two outs in the bottom of the second inning, Bassitt threw a fastball to Chicago outfielder Brian Goodwin. Goodwin drilled a line drive up the middle that struck Bassit on the side of the face. Bassitt fell to the ground, grasping his head in extreme pain to the horror of his teammates, opponents, and the fans in attendance. His teammates immediately called for medical staff to come onto the field.
The video below of Bassit’s injury is troubling. Please view it with caution.
Prayers 🙏 for Oakland pitcher Chris Bassitt
This video is not easy to watch. Hope he is OK.
— Frankie Fanta$y (@Frankie_Fantasy) August 18, 2021
Fortunately, it has been confirmed that Bassitt is recovering from the injury. The A’s released a statement saying that he conscious, and is now at the Rush University Medical Center.
Chris Bassitt is conscious and aware, and is on his way to the hospital. We will provide additional information when possible.
— AthleticsPR (@AthleticsPR) August 18, 2021
The team released another statement on Wednesday:
We are grateful to the White Sox, their medical staff, and the doctors and nurses at Rush [University Medical Center] for their excellent care.
Bassitt suffered a fractured right cheek and jawbone. He will undergo surgery once the swelling subsides to help repair the damage. Thankfully, this injury was not life-threatening, and it appears that it will also not be career-threatening.
Bassitt was having a great season prior to the graphic injury. He has a 12-4 record and a 3.22 ERA, helping lead the A’s in a playoff chase. The team is currently in a tight three-way race with the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox for the AL wildcard spot. Fans are still holding out hope that Bassitt will fully heal in time to be available for a potential post-season run.