Athletics' Chris Bassitt Stretchered off After Being Struck in Head by Line Drive

Oakland Athletics pitcher Chris Bassitt was removed in the second inning of Tuesday's start at the Chicago White Sox after taking a line drive to the head off the bat of Brian Goodwin. 

Bassitt was falling off the mound while following through on a pitch and was unable to protect himself as Goodwin sent the ball barreling 100.1 miles per hour back at him. The pitcher immediately crumpled to ground as trainers ran to check on him. 

Ultimately, Bassitt was able to get to his feet and climb onto the medical cart. 

The 32-year-old has been one of the most impressive pitchers for an Oakland team contending for an American League West title. Through 24 starts, the righty is 12-3 with a 3.06 ERA, 1.03 WHIP and 153 strikeouts while walking only 35. 

He was replaced by Burch Smith with the bases loaded and no one out. The first batter he faced, Andrew Vaughn, hit a two-run single. Smith then allowed a three-run homer to Jake Lamb as the Sox took a 5-0 lead. 

Bassitt was making a return to the South Side where he began his career. Chicago selected him in the 16th round of the 2011 draft, and he started five games for the Sox in 2014.

The White Sox won, 9-0.