Aug 6, 2021; Oakland, California, USA; Oakland Athletics starting pitcher Chris Bassitt (40) delivers a pitch during the first inning against the Texas Rangers at RingCentral Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Neville E. Guard-USA TODAY Sports
There seemed to be no conceivable way that Chris Bassitt would return to the mound this season. He had been struck in the face with a sharp line drive, eventually requiring surgery to repair facial fractures. It seemed likely that, with a month left in the season, he would miss the rest of the year with an eye towards being ready for 2022.