Athletics' Brady Basso to Open Sunday's Game Against Royals

What's Happening?

Brady Basso is set to be the opening pitcher for the Oakland Athletics in their game against the Kansas City Royals on Sunday. This decision comes as the Athletics opt not to have left-handed pitcher Jeffrey Springs make his scheduled start in the season finale. Instead, the team will utilize Basso in what is expected to be a bullpen day. Basso, who has primarily served as a reliever both in the majors and at the Triple-A level this season, has made four starts for the Athletics in 2024. However, in 2025, he has not pitched more than two innings in any of his 18 appearances across both levels, indicating that he is unlikely to pitch more than once through the batting order on Sunday.

Why It's Important?

The decision to start Brady Basso highlights the Athletics' strategic approach to managing their pitching staff as the season concludes. By opting for a bullpen day, the team can evaluate Basso's performance in a starting role, which could influence future roster decisions. This move also reflects the broader trend in Major League Baseball where teams increasingly rely on bullpen days to manage workloads and assess player capabilities. For Basso, this opportunity could be pivotal in securing a more prominent role in the Athletics' pitching rotation or bullpen in the upcoming season.

What's Next?

Following Sunday's game, the Athletics will likely assess Basso's performance to determine his role in the team's future plans. Depending on his effectiveness as an opener, Basso could see more opportunities in similar roles or potentially earn a spot in the starting rotation. The Athletics' management will also consider how this strategy impacts their overall pitching strategy as they prepare for the next season. Additionally, the outcome of the game against the Royals could influence the team's final standings and offseason decisions.