In many ways, this has been a strange Spring Training. But in certain ways, A’s starter Chris Bassitt is all for strange becoming the standard.

In addition to streamlining their work days as part of health and safety precautions, the A’s delayed using their regular starting pitchers in Cactus League games until Bassitt’s three innings of work in a 9-1 win over the Brewers at Hohokam Stadium on Wednesday. It was an effort to counteract the ill effects of last season’s shortened season, but Bassitt sees the benefits of maintaining this approach even in a post-pandemic world.

“To be quite honest with you, I think this Spring Training is going to change Spring Trainings forever,” Bassitt said after allowing a run on two hits with two strikeouts. “Us working out on the back field and the limited time at the complexes has kind of benefited everyone [in terms of] just staying healthy. Standing around for four or five hours in years past wasn’t the easiest for the back and legs. A lot of people were stiff coming in the next day. Now, the days are super efficient. I think this is dang near perfect.”

Simulated outings against teammates might seem sub-optimal. Pitchers can’t gauge how their stuff is working against actual opponents, and the back fields are devoid of all in-game atmosphere.

Bassitt, though, said there is value in getting the kind of feedback from teammates like Matt Chapman and Matt Olson that he can’t get from opponents. And those hitters are getting extra at-bats even on days when they aren’t starting in actual exhibitions.

“It benefits both sides,” he said.

Furthermore, opponents aren’t getting an early look at his offerings, including a slider he is trying to sharpen with the input of reliever Sergio Romo. He’d rather sharpen the pitch behind the scenes than showcase it in meaningless exhibitions.

Oh, and there’s one more small benefit to facing teammates.

“There’s a lot more trash talking on the back fields,” Bassitt said with a smile.

As the A’s get closer to Opening Day, Bassitt (who might very well get that Opening Day nod) and the other starters are beginning to see more traditional use. Jesús Luzardo will make Thursday’s start against the Rangers, and Sean Manaea will go on Saturday.

Manager Bob Melvin said there is still time for Frankie Montas, coming off a COVID bout, to be ready for the opening rotation, too. Mike Fiers is a bit behind because of what Melvin suggested was a minor back issue.

The A’s slower-than-usual schedule in rolling out their starters in Cactus League games could potentially become a more common practice.

“It’s worked so far,” Melvin said. “Here early on, we were able to give some younger pitchers some opportunities they might not [otherwise] get.”

The Machín
Vimael Machín's offseason lasted all of two weeks. Then it was back to work in the Puerto Rico Winter League, where he wound up stroking the game-winning hit to secure Criollos de Caguas the championship trophy etched with an image of Roberto Clemente.

“It was my third year I played winter ball and my first championship,” he said. “It was a great experience playing with Yadier Molina, too. For me to get that hit in the ninth inning was something that I’ll never forget.”

The 27-year-old Machín wasn’t happy with his offensive performance (.206 average, .534 OPS in 71 plate appearances) in his brief first taste of the big leagues last year, so the winter ball experience was a welcomed way to get added at-bats. And that experience seems to be benefiting Machín in camp.

On Wednesday, Machín doubled home two runs charged against Brewers closer Josh Hader to continue his scorching spring. He’s gone 7-for-16 with four RBIs in eight games for the A’s.

“For me, the word consistent is huge,” Machín said. “It’s something I didn’t do last year. Watching Chappy [Matt Chapman], Ollie [Matt Olson, [Marcus] Semien and [Chad] Pinder, they were consistent with their routines and early work. As as a rookie, it was hard doing everything at once. This year, I feel like I’m a different player.”

Machín could be in the mix to see time at second base, but his value is that he can play all four infield spots.

Yo, Yo
Yoenis Céspedes, who has played just 127 games over the last four seasons, is looking for a job. By the sound of things, that job won’t come with the A’s, his employer from 2012-14.

But Melvin remains a fan of the mercurial power hitter and said he believes he can still make a positive impact in the big leagues.

“I sent him a message,” Melvin said. “We’re not in the position [to sign Céspedes], unfortunately. But I really believe whoever picks him up, he’s going to help them. When he’s motivated, he’s as electric a player as I’ve ever had.”

Up next
Luzardo will make his spring debut when the A’s travel west to face the Rangers at 12:05 p.m. PT on Thursday at Surprise Stadium. Left-hander Taylor Hearn will start for Texas.