A’s Chris Bassitt “looked like himself” in bullpen session in Kansas City. What’s next for the ace?

All went well in Chris Bassitt’s bullpen session on Wednesday in Kansas City.

The Oakland A’s pitcher hit 93 mph on his fastball, threw two simulated innings, 15 pitches per inning, with outfielder Skye Bolt standing in the box. Most importantly, Bassitt “looked like himself,” Manager Bob Melvin said.

On Saturday, when the A’s travel to Anaheim to play the Los Angeles Angels, Bassitt will throw to hitters pre-game in a simulated game with players in position and will be “a full-go.” There is no definitive plan until after the simulated game.

Bassitt is three weeks removed from surgery to repair facial fractures incurred when he took a line drive to his face against the Chicago White Sox. He threw his first bullpen session this past Saturday that included all pitches but his slider. Because the injury is to his face and not his throwing arm, Bassitt may not need a rehab assignment before returning to game action. Though,  with 15 games left on the regular season schedule, he is running out of time.

“There’s a chance he won’t (go on a rehab assignment). If we feel like that’s something he needs, that’s the route he’ll go,” Melvin said. “We are up against the clock as far as when the season is over. But it’ll be whatever he’s comfortable with.”

Matt Chapman out third straight game

Chapman, still dealing with a sore and swollen foot, is out of the lineup on Wednesday against the Kansas City Royals. He’ll miss his third straight game.

Chapman injured his foot after repeatedly fouling pitches off it — the A’s third baseman does not wear shin or foot guards at the plate. He was removed from Saturday’s game in the fifth inning. X-rays showed no fracture that day and team trainers don’t see the need for further tests, Melvin said.

For now, Chapman is struggling with mobility on that foot. It’s been “locked up” with minor improvements each day.