Chris Bassitt took a big step Saturday in his return from a facial fracture he suffered on the mound last month.
Bassitt threw about 30 pitches over two simulated innings in Anaheim with A’s outfielder Skye Bolt standing in and switch-hitting. Bassitt did not throw from behind a protective screen during the session.
The next step for Bassitt should be a bullpen session on Monday in Oakland, with the following step to be determined.
“We’re going to see how he feels tomorrow. He looked really good out there today,” manager Bob Melvin said. “Didn’t look any different to me than when he was pitching a month ago. Stuff looked good, all his breaking stuff was crisp. But it’s day-to-day in how he feels tomorrow.”
The 32-year-old starter threw fastballs and off-speed pitches in his third session off a mound since undergoing surgery to repair facial fractures incurred when he took a line drive to the face nearly four weeks ago.
Bassitt was struck in the right side of his face with a ball off the bat of Brian Goodwin during a start against the White Sox in Chicago on Aug. 14. He underwent surgery to repair a tripod fracture in his cheekbone soon after. He threw his first bullpen session last Saturday and a second one earlier this week in Kansas City.
Bassitt’s return could provide a much-needed boost for a worn-down rotation. Daulton Jefferies, who was scheduled to start Saturday’s game, was instead placed on the 10-day IL with ulnar neuritis, inflammation of a nerve in the elbow. James Kaprielian, who ceded his rotation spot Thursday to Jefferies, was slotted back in for Saturday night.
Oakland sits two games out of a wild card spot with 14 games remaining in the regular season and could use Bassitt’s arm for the final push. The A’s are playing it cautious with his return, though Bassitt is determined to get back into game action.
