OAKLAND -- A's veteran Trevor Cahill has been scratched from his Saturday start against the Royals because of a minor Achilles issue. Right-hander Chris Bassitt will pitch in his place at the Coliseum, manager Bob Melvin announced after Friday night's 7-2 win over the Royals.
The A's don't believe Cahill's injury to be serious enough to warrant a disabled list stint, but they aren't sure when he'll make his next start. The right-hander was already sidelined for 10 days in May with a right elbow impingement.
Bassitt will be making his first big league appearance since April 28, 2016. He underwent Tommy John surgery shortly thereafter and returned to the mound in 2017, finishing the season with Triple-A Nashville. Bassitt, who is 2-3 with a 6.10 ERA in 10 outings (seven starts) for the Sounds, was called up by the A's on two prior occasions this season but never pitched.
The 29-year-old will be working on six days' rest, having allowed four runs in as many innings with 89 pitches on June 2.