The Oakland Athletics have scratched Sonny Gray from his scheduled start Tuesday evening against the Colorado Rockies because he is sick, tweets MLB.com's Jane Lee. The news that Gray would not make his scheduled start originated from a tweet by MLB.com columnist Tracy Ringolsby. Chris Bassitt will be called up to start in Gray's place. The Athletics have confirmed these reports:
#Athletics recall Chris Bassitt from Nashville to start tonight; Sonny Gray scratched with flu-like symptoms
— #VoteGreenCollar (@Athletics) June 30, 2015
With the A's facing a left-hander tonight, the A's optioned lightly-used left-handed batting corner infielder Max Muncy to clear space for Bassitt on the 25-man roster:
#Athletics option Max Muncy to Triple-A Nashville
— #VoteGreenCollar (@Athletics) June 30, 2015
There was not an obvious reliever to demote, as Drew Pomeranz is the only one with options remaining who cannot refuse a minor league assignment, so the A's would have to designate a different reliever on the 25-man roster for assignment.
About RHP Chris Bassitt
Chris Bassitt made five relief appearances for the Athletics between April 25 and May 9. He pitched 10⅔ innings, allowing five hits, one home run, nine walks, and eight strikeouts while hitting three batters, resulting in a 3.38 ERA. With the Triple-A Nashville Sounds, Bassitt has made nine starts over 12 appearances, and has a 3.71 ERA with 64 strikeouts, 18 walks, and two hit batters while allowing just one home run.