LEADING OFF: Bassitt back, Chisox close, Max starts, Cards W

A look at what’s happening around the majors today:

___

Oakland right-hander Chris Bassitt promised to return to the mound by season’s end following a frightening 100 mph line drive to the face on Aug. 17.

He’ll get his chance in the series finale against Seattle at the Coliseum. Bassitt (12-4, 3.22) underwent facial surgery Aug. 24 to repair three cheekbone fractures after being struck by a liner off the bat of Brian Goodwin of the White Sox.

“It’s been a little bit of a torture chamber,” Bassitt said. “I’m happy to finally be back and, hopefully, help the team win.”

Immediately after he got hurt, Bassitt let manager Bob Melvin and the medical staff know he absolutely planned to pitch again this year. Bassitt was leading the American League in wins, innings (151) and starts (25) at the time of his injury.

“Knowing Chris obviously sells a little bit of that to us, to have that understanding of it,” athletic trainer Nick Paparesta said of the pitcher’s rapid comeback. “What’s Chris done this year? Chris has had a phenomenal season. He’s been an All-Star. What else does he have to prove? But I think he’s got something to prove to himself that he can go out there and he can do what he needs to do to help this team win and compete.”

The 32-year-old Bassitt returns to start a game between wild-card contenders.

“I’ve been ready,” he said. “It’s just a matter of there were a lot of boxes that needed to be checked. We finally checked them all off.”

THE MAX-IMUM

Almost unhittable at times, Max Scherzer has done everything the Dodgers hoped for -- and more -- since they got him from Washington in late July at the trade deadline.

Scherzer is 7-0 with an 0.78 ERA in nine starts for Los Angeles as it tries to overtake San...

source https://www.chron.com/sports/article/LEADING-OFF-Bassitt-back-Chisox-close-Max-16481159.php