Orioles RHP Chris Bassitt undergoes "pretty minor" back surgery

Orioles veteran right-hander Chris Bassitt underwent back surgery to remove a bone spur, Baltimore general manager Mike Elias told reporters on Saturday.

Bassitt initially received injections in his back but neither he nor the team were happy with the response. Elias said the surgery wasn't serious.

"It's a pretty minor procedure, and we'll see where he's at in a couple weeks and see if and when he can start throwing," Elias said. "We're feeling pretty good about things right there. We feel there's a very strong possibility we get him back in better condition before the end of the season."

Bassitt, 37, last pitched for Baltimore on June 3. He is 4-4 with a 5.27 ERA in 12 appearances (10 starts). He signed with the team as a free agent in the offseason.

Bassitt is 87-69 with a 3.71 ERA in 244 appearances (228 starts) over 12 seasons with five teams. He spent the previous three seasons with the Toronto Blue Jays and was an All-Star with the then-Oakland Athletics in 2021.

Elias also said standout catcher Adley Rutschman (concussion) could soon return to action. He has been sidelined since being hit in the head with a throw while running the bases on June 18.

"Adley's doing well," Elias said. "It's improved the last couple of days. I think we're getting close there."

The two-time All-Star is batting .254 with eight homers and 40 RBIs in 54 games this season. He also boasts the best slugging percentage (.458) of his five-season career. The 28-year-old was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 draft.

--Field Level Media