Help could be on the way for the Athletics.
The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal reported Sunday, citing sources, that the A's are targeting a Thursday return for starting pitcher Chris Bassitt. Oakland's ace has been out since sustaining facial fractures from a line drive on Aug. 17.
Stay in the game with the latest updates on your beloved Bay Area and California sports teams! Sign up here for our All Access Daily newsletter.
Bassitt threw a bullpen on Wednesday, and it clearly went well enough for the A's to believe the veteran right-hander could soon return to the mound.
“This is a little bit different situation where we have probably a couple things we’re trying to monitor,” A's manager Melvin said Tuesday to reporters. “You know, where his arm is as far as being in shape -- certainly don’t want any setbacks with what’s going on. I know if it were up to him, he wouldn’t want too many.”
Bassitt made his first All-Star Game this season. He has gone 12-4 with a 3.22 ERA in 25 starts.
RELATED: Kaprielian deals in win vs. Angels despite last-minute start
Athletics
Find the latest Athletics news, highlights, analysis and more with NBC Sports Bay Area and California.
The 32-year-old was credited with three earned runs in one inning pitched when he was injured over a month ago against the Chicago White Sox. Prior to the injury, he had a 3.06 ERA in 24 starts.
The A's enter Sunday on a four-game win streak. They are two games behind for the second AL wild-card spot.