The Oakland A’s announced that pitcher Chris Bassitt was released from the hospital with a cheek fracture after being hit in the face by a line drive. During the second inning of Oakland’s 9-0 loss to the White Sox, Bassitt fell to the ground while clutching his head after he was struck by Brian Goodwin’s hit back to the mound. Before he was carted off the field to be transported to the hospital, Bassitt remained on the ground for several minutes as trainers applied pressure to his face. In a postgame press conference, A’s manager Bob Melvin said Bassitt remained conscious “the entire time.”
The A’s said in a statement: “[Bassitt] received stitches for two facial lacerations and was diagnosed with a displaced tripod fracture in his right cheek that will require surgery. An exam of his right eye was normal for vision, and no other damage is currently noted in the eye or the orbital bone. In addition, a head CT scan revealed no further injury.” On Wednesday afternoon, Bassitt released his first statement since the incident, thanking both teams and hospital staff for the support he received.
Bassitt will undergo surgery in the next three to five days “after swelling subsides.” The club said there is no timetable on his return.
Athletics’ Chris Bassitt out of hospital after being hit by liner
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