Chris Bassitt To Undergo Surgery Following Frightening Line Drive To Face

Oakland Athletics’ pitcher Chris Bassitt was released from the hospital after suffering a right cheek fracture after being hit in the head by a line drive on Tuesday.

Bassitt was pitching to Chicago White Sox batter Brian Goodwin in the bottom of the second inning. Goodwin hit the ball, and it was sent to the mound, striking Bassitt in the head. The starting pitcher was immediately carted off and taken to the hospital. Bassitt did not lose consciousness and was aware during the whole incident.

According to MLB insider Jon Heyman, Bassitt suffered a fractured cheekbone and upper jawbone. The pitcher would undergo surgery once the swelling subsides. There were concerns about Bassitt being hit in the eye, but the ball struck him below and his vision is fully intact.

The A’s released a statement updating Bassitt’s status.

“Chris was released from Rush University Medical Center last night. He 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. We’ll have more information on Chris as it becomes available.”