A’s GM Billy Beane says Jesse Hahn looking at “somewhat extended stay” on DL

Athletics right-hander Jesse Hahn was placed on the disabled list last week with a flexor tendon injury and his absence appears likely to stretch well into the second half of the season.

According to John Hickey of the Bay Area News Group, Athletics general manager Billy Beane said Thursday that Hahn is looking at a “somewhat extended stay” on the disabled list. Chris Bassitt will fill his spot in Oakland’s rotation for now.

“We’re going to be conservative with Jesse,’’ Beane said. “And the tough thing with is starters is once they’re shut down, it take a while to build back up. So it’ll be longer rather than shorter. But Bassitt has come in and pitched very well and kept us very much in the game, so that’s been good.’’

Acquired from the Padres in the Derek Norris deal last December, Hahn has a 3.35 ERA (114 ERA+) over 16 starts this season. While his strikeout rate has dropped seven percent from last season (22.9 percent to 15.8 percent), he has averaged 2.33 BB/9 to go along with a ground ball rate of 52.6 percent. The 25-year-old previously had Tommy John surgery in 2010, so it’s understandable why the Athletics are being cautious with him.

Follow @djshort