MESA, Ariz. -- If it looks like Chris Bassitt has been out there pitching with a chip on the shoulder… it’s because he has.
“I know it, I’ve been somewhat doubted my whole career,” Bassitt told NBC Sports California in February. “I definitely remember things that were said about me. We’re not supposed to listen to what media says and projections, but it’s just like -- man I’m going to prove you all wrong.”
The 31-year old made his MLB debut with Chicago in 2014, and was soon traded to Oakland in the same move that brought Marcus Semien and Josh Phegley to the A’s in 2015. That season he went 1-8 across 13 starts, then in 2016 he required Tommy John Surgery after just 5 outings.
Bassitt spent the next 18 months rehabbing from the elbow injury.
“The grind to get back makes you appreciate the game so much more,” Bassitt said.
It’s easy to get lost in his unique mechanics. Teammates have no shame in impersonating his high-effort delivery.
“Just pure hectic on the mound,” as Bassitt describes it. “Elbows and legs flying at you and hopefully it’s in the zone, somewhere. I know a lot of people try to hit spots, and I’m just trying to fill up the zone, honestly with the best stuff I have.”
In 25 starts last season, the righty picked up 10 wins. While his role for 2020 is yet to be defined, it’s guaranteed to be important. Especially with the recent news that A.J. Puk has been shut down for now, out of precaution.
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Even if Chris begins out of the bullpen on Opening Day, a significant amount of starts are almost guaranteed over the course of 162 games. It’s inevitable the team will need him in that starting role, complimenting one of Oakland’s best rotations assembled in a long time.
“We have the guys to be extremely special,” Bassitt said. “And it’s not like we’re top-heavy with just two starters. We can roll out five studs. It’s going to be really fun this year to see, to push each other.”
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