A’s starter hit in head by liner

Athletics right-hander Chris Bassitt was carted off the field after he was struck on the side of the head by a line drive in the second inning against the White Sox.

With two on and no outs, Bassitt threw an 89.5 mph cut fastball that Brian Goodwin drove right back up the middle. Bassitt went down on the mound right after he was hit, holding his head, and his teammates quickly waved to the dugout for assistance.

As players on each side looked on, Bassitt was attended to by an Oakland trainer and other personnel before he was helped into the back of a cart while holding a towel to his face. A’s center fielder Starling Marte had his hands on his head as Bassitt was driven by him.

The team said Bassitt was “conscious and aware,” and was taken to a hospital.

NFL

ADAMS, SEAHAWKS AGREE >> Jamal Adams saw the text from his mom, containing his full name, and knew they needed to talk. The message coming from his family was clear: take the deal being offered by the Seahawks.

“She said my full name, and when my mother says my full name, I think I need to pay attention,” Adams said. “She gave me a nice little paragraph and basically just told me that you don’t have to prove anything else to anybody. You did it. You did enough. We’re happy. As long as my family’s happy, man, and I’m happy.”

Adams became the highest-paid safety in the NFL after signing the four-year extension, which is expected to be worth up to $70 million and includes $38 million guaranteed.

NBA

CHRISTMAS DAY GAMES UNVEILED >> The Bucks are staying home for Christmas, which is becoming an annual perk for reigning NBA champions.

The NBA released the schedule for the Dec. 25 quintupleheader, and the Bucks will play host to the Celtics in the second of the day’s games. It marks the eighth consecutive season in which the reigning champion has gotten to play at home for the holiday.

Also set for Christmas this year: Atlanta opens the day at New York, Golden State visits reigning Western Conference champion Phoenix, Brooklyn plays at the Lakers, and Dallas goes to Utah in the day’s finale.

The full season schedule will be released Aug. 20, the NBA said.

College football

BIG 12 TEAMS FACE FORFEITS >> Big 12 teams unable to play a game this fall because of COVID-19, or any other reasons, will have to forfeit and be given a loss in the conference standings.

The Big 12 released its game threshold policy. A no contest would be declared only if both teams are unable to compete, and there are no plans to make up any games not played as scheduled.

Roster thresholds that were in effect for the Big 12 last season are no longer in play.