Athletics News: Chris Bassitt Earns All-Star Nod as a Replacement

Oakland Athletics fans were pretty excited earlier this week when right-handed pitcher Chris Bassitt was named as a reserve for next week's MLB All-Star game in Denver, CO. However, that excitement was taken to the next level on Saturday.

The MLB has announced that Bassitt will be Cleveland Indians RHP Shane Bieber's replacement at the all-star game. The Indians ace has been on the injured list since the middle of June with a right shoulder injury and isn't expected to be back until after the break.

Chris Bassitt News

The most exciting part of the news is that this will be Bassitt's first time participating in an MLB All-Star Game after being in the league since 2014. After finishing 8th in AL Cy Young voting last season, Bassitt has continued his success into the 2021 season. He owns a 9-2 record through 18 starts so far this season and has recorded a 3.41 ERA and 1.072 WHIP.

Bassitt's impressive performance on the mound this season is just one of the many reasons why the Athletics have found success. With a 50-40 record, Oakland currently holds the second American League Wild Card spot and is 4.5 games back of the Houston Astros for the top spot in the AL West.

The Athletics will need Bassitt to continue being at the top of his game once his first MLB All-Star Game has concluded. Oakland has the 10th-best odds at +1800 to win the World Series this season, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.

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