A's pitcher Chris Bassitt released from hospital after being struck by line drive
After being hit in the face by a line drive off the bat of White Sox center fielder Brian Goodwin on Tuesday night at Guaranteed Rate Field, Athletics starting pitcher Chris Bassitt was carted off the field and taken to nearby Rush University Medical Center.
Bassitt was released from Rush later Tuesday night, and Oakland had more information Wednesday:
"(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. We are grateful to the White Sox, their medical staff, and the doctors and nurses at Rush for their excellent care."
Sox closer Liam Hendriks pitched for the A's from 2016-20 and developed a close relationship with Bassitt. Hendriks' wife, Kristi, was sitting with Bassitt's wife, Jessica, when he was hit by the line drive.
"Obviously, the first reaction is making sure that he's safe," Hendriks said. "I know Kristi was in the stands with his wife and they were able to get down to the ambulance to see him off and she rode with him to the hospital. Luckily Kristi was here to kind of get her down.
"But thoughts and prayers. I was texting him this morning, just his normal personality, joking around it's a good thing he has a big head. Obviously, just thankful there's no lingering issues or anything like that going on. Thoughts and prayers to make sure he's doing all right and we've offered anything they need."
Chicago-based Meister Sports Management, which represents Bassitt, also released a statement Wednesday:
"Wanted to thank everyone on behalf of #MeisterSports family member Chris Bassitt for the unbelievable outpouring of love and support shown to his wife Jess, parents, family and friends. Horrific injuries like this remind us, despite our differences baseball is a family and that we all wish nothing but health and safety to everyone who plays the game and gives us so much joy in their achievements.
"Chris will be better than ever and back to doing what he loves soon."
Bassitt broke in with the White Sox in 2014 before being sent to Oakland in the Jeff Samardzija trade.
The Sox beat the A's 9-0 Tuesday night, but Bassitt's well-being was the much bigger story.
"When you see something like that, it's hard to digest because we as pitchers, we know that can happen," said White Sox right-hander Reynaldo Lopez, who started vs. Bassitt. "It's like, that could happen to me and it's scary. Every time you see something like that, it's tough to swallow. But at the same time, we know that can happen.
"It's sad that it happened. It was really hard on me."