Flying colors for Basso in rotation audition as he twirls four scoreless vs. Blue Jays

WEST SACRAMENTO – Brady Basso has had chances to begin the game as an opener for the Athletics a few times this season, but this one was different.

Down a starter after J.T. Ginn landed on the injured list last week, the A’s called on Basso to take the mound for Wednesday’s series finale against the Blue Jays at Sutter Health Park. When making the announcement the day before, however, manager Mark Kotsay carefully worded the left-hander’s assignment rather than just labeling him an opener.

“We’re going to use Basso to start the game,” Kotsay said. “He’ll be listed as a starter, and we’ll manage the game accordingly.”

Turns out, this wasn’t just an opener role for Basso. It was more of an audition for the rotation, one that he aced by firing four scoreless innings on 68 pitches -- both season highs -- in a 2-0 victory over Toronto to secure a series win for the A’s, who have now won six of their last eight games.

Kotsay was planning to give Basso a look in the rotation all along, pulling him into his office last week to discuss the decision.

“He was excited about the opportunity for him to step into the rotation and fill this role,” Kotsay said. “He had a lot of confidence when I talked to him about this opportunity, and he went out today and showed that he’s got a pitch mix that can keep hitters in a pretty good lineup off balance.”

Basso utilized six different pitches on Wednesday. Those offerings were three types of fastballs -- four-seam, cutter, sinker -- along with a curveball, changeup and slider. That arsenal limited the Blue Jays to three hits and two walks with four strikeouts. Basso also generated mostly weak contact, with an average exit velocity of 87.6 mph on Toronto’s 11 batted-ball events against him.

Starting is what the A’s envisioned for Basso a few years ago when he resided on the club’s Top 30 Prospects list from 2024-25. He got a limited run as a full-time starter for the A’s at the end of the 2024 season, and entered 2025 Spring Training expected to be in the mix for a spot in the rotation, but shoulder issues sidelined him for most of last season and confined him to a relief role.

“The injuries that he had took away from his opportunity, at least [to pitch] in bulk,” Kotsay said. “Now he’s got that bulk time here to show us he can pitch here and have success. I’m really happy for him just in terms of continuing to persevere with the right mindset. It’s not easy when you go up and down. You get sent down thinking that you’re going to be part of a mix, he’s kept the right mindset. I think that’s led to the success he’s having right now.”

Basso said he believes the shoulder strain he sustained in the spring of ‘25 that kept him out until August of last year stemmed from issues with his offseason throwing program, one that he overhauled this offseason and has led to keeping his arm healthy this season.

“We went to the drawing board this offseason and focused on a few things with my health first,” Basso said. “I think that has made a huge difference. When I can get into a season and be healthy, things have gone pretty well. I think that’s the key. Making sure we nail down the offseason, and I think we did.”

Whether it be opening or pitching in long relief, Basso has made the most of whatever role has come his way this year, now holding a 3.86 ERA in 23 games for the A’s. Over these final couple of weeks of the season, Basso could finally get that extended look as a starter he’s been looking for before injuries took him on a detour.

“That’s the dream,” Basso said. “That opportunity is everything. I came up as a starter, so the goal is to get the opportunity to do that. It’s awesome that they’ve been willing to give me the opportunity. Today went awesome. [catcher Brian] Serven called a great game and the guys were making plays behind me. It was fun. Super exciting to get the opportunity, and I’m glad it went well. We’ll see what happens.”