Possible surgery looms for A’s Chris Bassitt

Starter Chris Bassitt has a partially torn ulnar collateral ligament, the same diagnosis given Felix Doubront earlier this year, and there a good chance that, like Doubront, Bassitt will require Tommy John surgery.

Bassitt said Saturday that the MRI he had Friday was “up in the air” when it came to indicating whether he requires surgery or not, so he is getting a second opinion Thursday in Cincinnati with Dr. Timothy Kremchek.

Recovery time for a first Tommy John surgery is typically 12-18 months.

Depending on the severity of the tear, surgery occasionally can be avoided with rest and strengthening work.

Bassitt allowed six runs over his first three outings but 13 in his past two, and in his start Sunday at Toronto, his velocity dropped 4-5 mph in his final inning of work.

Strengthening work was the tack taken with outfielder Sam Fuld for his left shoulder injury, but the shoulder could not be stabilized enough for baseball activity and he is scheduled for surgery on May 18 in Los Angeles, with Dr. Neal ElAttrache performing the procedure to repair his rotator cuff and shoulder capsule.

Rotator cuff surgery doesn’t enjoy the high success rate that Tommy John surgery does for a first-time procedure; many big-league ptichers have been unable to return from shoulder surgery.

Position players tend to fare better because they are not making the same high volume of throws.

Rehab games for Valencia; Third baseman Danny Valencia will play three rehab games with Class-A Stockton.

Valencia, who is out with a hamstring injury, is expected to come off the DL on Friday in Baltimore.

With the Warriors playing next door at Oracle Arena at the same time the A’s finish their series against the Astros, fans are asked to take public transportation or arrive early.

Cars will be turned away once the lots are full.

Utility infielder Tyler Ladendorf said that everyone has been pronouncing his name incorrectly for years now: