Chris Bassitt

Bassitt cleared an encouraging two-batter bullpen session Saturday after bone spur back surgery. Manager Albernaz reported everything looked and felt great. The 60-day IL minimum means August 4 is the earliest possible return; mid-August is more realistic. He was posting a sub-3.50 ERA before the surgery.

Bassitt landed on the 15-day IL with low back discomfort. The Orioles have not established a return timeline — back injuries are wildly unpredictable, ranging from a week to months depending on severity. The activation of Dean Kremer fills the rotation vacancy. Baltimore is now without Bassitt, Eflin, and Selby simultaneously, making their rotation one of the thinnest in the American League.

Low back discomfort landed the 37-year-old on the 15-day IL retroactive to Friday. Manager Craig Albernaz said the timeline was 'too soon to tell' — back issues in older starting pitchers frequently extend well beyond initial projections. Bassitt was 4-4 with a 5.27 ERA this season. Trey Gibson (3.65 ERA in 3 Orioles appearances) takes the rotation spot.

Started vs Seattle Mariners (4W-4L, 5.27 ERA)

Started vs Detroit Tigers (3W-3L, 5.44 ERA)

Started @ Washington Nationals (3W-2L, 5.21 ERA)

Started @ Miami Marlins (2W-2L, 5.46 ERA)

Started vs Houston Astros (1W-2L, 6.75 ERA)

Started vs Houston Astros (1W-2L, 6.75 ERA)

Started @ Cleveland Guardians (0W-2L, 9.00 ERA)