Here is the latest news on Oakland A’s starting pitcher Chris Bassitt, who was hit in the head by a line drive in Tuesday night’s game against the Chicago White Sox in Chicago.
In the second inning, White Sox batter Brian Goodwin sent a line drive back to the mound at 100.1 miles per hour, striking Bassitt in the right side of the head. He immediately went to the ground as his Oakland teammates rushed to his side and called for help.
Here is the video. Warning: The scene is disturbing.
Updates below on the condition of Oakland A’s pitcher Chris Bassitt after being hit in the head in a matchup against the Chicago White Sox.
After being struck, Bassitt never seemed to lose consciousness and was eventually taken off the field on a cart. In a statement released on Twitter, the A’s provided a positive update after a very scary scene at Guaranteed Rate Field.
Chris Bassitt is conscious and aware, and is on his way to the hospital. We will provide additional information when possible.
— Oakland A's Communications (@AthleticsPR) August 18, 2021
Shortly after the incident, many in the baseball community took to social media to voice their support for Bassitt, including former A’s pitcher Dallas Braden, who relayed the thoughts of so many hurlers.
There’s nothing scarier as a pitcher. It’s a thought you eliminate from your mind each time you take the mound. You can’t let it creep in. Not for a minute. Should this day come you just hope you wake up. I am sick to my stomach. Please keep Bass in your thoughts tonight. https://t.co/EDK2fWLr9A
— Dallas Braden (@DALLASBRADEN209) August 18, 2021
Bassitt entered Tuesday’s contest with a 12-3 mark in 24 previous starts. He finished eighth in Cy Young voting last season and, with a WHIP of 1.033, earned his first All-Star Game appearance earlier this season.
We will continue to update this story as new information is shared by the A’s. Please refresh to see any updates and the latest news below.
UPDATES:
I’m hearing Jess, Bassitt’s wife, is with him now. His family, including his mom and daughter, Landry, were at the game.
— Jessica Kleinschmidt (@KleinschmidtJD) August 18, 2021
Bob Melvin didn't take questions, but said Chris Bassitt is conscious and he was the entire time. pic.twitter.com/dIDAYn1hBW
— Jessica Kleinschmidt (@KleinschmidtJD) August 18, 2021
News is encouraging on A’s ace Chris Bassitt. After being hit in the face with a liner last night he sustained a fractured cheekbone and maxilla (upper jawbone). Surgery will be in 3-5 days after swelling subsides. All other scans are clean. Most vitally: Vision is 20-20.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) August 18, 2021
Thank you to everybody who has reached out on #MeisterSports family member @C_Bass419 ❤️ pic.twitter.com/fLusH2vrYc
— Meister Sports (@Meister_Sports) August 18, 2021
Wow — Chris was released from the hospital last night. What amazing news! ❤️
— Jessica Kleinschmidt (@KleinschmidtJD) August 18, 2021
From the bottom of my heart, I’d like to thank the @whitesox and @Athletics staff, front offices, and owners. The support my family and I’ve received has been overwhelming. I’d also like to thank Rush University Medical Center and their staff. God is good. Can’t wait to get back!
— Chris Bassitt (@C_Bass419) August 18, 2021
Chris Bassitt had successful surgery today in Chicago. He could return to Oakland later this week. pic.twitter.com/o00iqBZ4YP
— Shayna Rubin (@ShaynaRubin) August 24, 2021