Photo: Ron Vesely/Getty
The Oakland Athletics pitcher, 32, took a 100.1 mph line drive to his right cheek during the second inning against the Chicago White Sox. He was carted off the field and taken to Rush University Medical Center in Chicago.
On Wednesday, the team announcedBassitt suffered a displaced tripod fracturein his cheek and received stitches for two facial lacerations.
The team also thanked all involved for their assistance during the incident. “We are grateful to the White Sox, their medical staff, and the doctors and nurses at Rush for their excellent care,” the A’s said in a statement.
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Bassitt’s agents at Meister Sports also shared a statement on Wednesday, thanking everyone for their “unbelievable outpouring of love and support” for the star pitcher.
“Horrific injuries like this remind us, despite our difference’s [sic] baseball is a family and that we all wish nothing but health and safety to everyone who plays the game and gives us so much joy in their achievements,“the statement read. “Chris will be better than ever and back to doing what he loves soon, and thanks everyone for their prayers and support. Things like this remind us that in most ways we are of one heart and one mind.”
The White Sox had loaded the bases to lead off the inning with back-to-back-to-back singles before Brian Goodwin stepped up to bat. The centerfielder ripped a 1-1 laser back toward the mound, leaving Bassitt with little time to react.
The pitcher remained on the ground for several minutes as medical personnel from both teams rushed to his aid. Players from both teams appeared emotional as they watched a bloodied Bassitt roll off the field on a cart.
“All jokes aside, your life flashes in front of you and you just do the best you can to defend yourself,“Willis explained. “And it’s truly a scary moment, even scary for the fans there that are rooting for the opposing team, obviously. But you have some empathy as a human being to not want to see that happen to anybody on the field. So, [it’s] really really tough for the ball club. Really, really tough for the individual. And I just pray that a speedy recovery is ahead of him.”
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Willis said playing baseball is secondary after similar incidents occur, noting several members of the A’s did not appear interested in continuing with the game after watching their teammate go down. (The A’s ultimately lost 9-0.)
“Truly unfortunate,” Willis said of the situation. “It’s one of the nastier plays, if not the nastiest play in baseball that happens. And unfortunately, it happened to our ace and really a captain of the ball club.”
Bassitt had a 12-3 record and 3.06 ERA heading into Tuesday’s game. (He moved to 12-4 after the loss.)
source: people.com
