Oakland Athletics: Power ranking each member of the starting rotation

1. Chris Bassitt

There has been no greater surprise from the Athletics’ pitching staff in 2019 than what the team has gotten out of veteran Chris Bassitt. Having started just 35 games in his career by the age of 30, very little was expected out of Bassitt when the team initially recalled him following the aforementioned Estrada’s trip to the IL.

But Bassitt has managed to host a team-leading 1.93 ERA through his first five starts establishing himself as the best pitcher in the rotation to date. The former Chicago White Sox right-hander is yet to allow more than three runs in a start and has allowed one or fewer runs in three of his five starts thus far.

Perhaps what’s been most impressive, however, has been his vastly improved strikeout rate. Bassitt is yet to have a start with fewer than six strikeouts and has posted nine in two of his outings.

All of that has led to a K/9 rate of 10.5, significantly higher than his career average. Bassitt was impressive in limited playing time last season returning from Tommy John surgery in 2017 giving evidence that his recent trend of excellent play could be sustainable.

If so, the Athletics could have found a diamond in the rough in the unlikeliest of places.