The Baltimore Orioles transferred right-hander Chris Bassitt from the 15-day to the 60-day injured list on Friday due to low back discomfort, a move that reflects the severity of a procedure he underwent to remove a facet bone spur in his back. Bassitt was initially placed on the 15-day IL retroactive to June 5 after exiting a start against the Red Sox in the third inning, having labored through the frame after a clean first two innings on just 20 pitches. The underlying issue had reportedly been managed since mid-April, with Bassitt able to function normally on flat ground but experiencing recurring trouble whenever he took the mound.
The transfer to the 60-day IL clears a 40-man roster spot for the Orioles and signals that Bassitt's return is not imminent. The 37-year-old will need time to recover from the surgical procedure before resuming a throwing program, making it unlikely he factors into Baltimore's rotation picture until deep in the second half of the season, if at all in 2026.