The 37-Year-Old Orioles Pitcher Is Out After Back Surgery, And Adley Rutschman's Return Couldn't Come Faster

Whoa, baseball fans! Just when you think you've got a handle on how things are shaking out mid-season, the injury bug strikes again, and this time it hit the Baltimore Orioles hard. Veteran right-hander Chris Bassitt just went under the knife for back surgery to yank out a bone spur. You read that right, surgery! This comes while their star catcher, Adley Rutschman, is still battling back from a concussion. It's a brutal double-whammy for any club, and it shows you how quickly fortunes can flip in this wild league.

Bassitt's Back Knocks Him Out of Commission

So, what's the deal with Bassitt? The 37-year-old pitcher, who signed with Baltimore as a free agent this offseason, hasn't been on the mound since June 3. General Manager Mike Elias said Bassitt tried getting injections in his back first, but neither he nor the team liked the results. So, it was surgery time to get that bone spur out. Elias tried to keep it chill, calling it "pretty minor," and he's hoping to get Bassitt back in "better condition before the end of the season." But let's be real, any surgery for a pitcher, especially a 37-year-old one, is a big deal. They're gonna "see where he's at in a couple weeks and see if and when he can start throwing." That's not exactly a ringing endorsement for a speedy return, is it?

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This dude has been a workhorse for 12 seasons, making 244 appearances and 228 starts across five different teams, even bagging an All-Star nod in 2021 with the A's. But this season hasn't been his best, rocking a 4-4 record with a 5.27 ERA in 12 appearances, 10 of those being starts. Losing that kind of veteran presence, even when the ERA isn't sparkling, can really mess with a pitching staff's rhythm, especially when you're trying to find your groove in June.

Rutschman's Return: A Ray of Hope?

As if Bassitt's surgery wasn't enough, the Orioles are still holding their breath for Adley Rutschman to get back on the field. The two-time All-Star catcher has been sidelined since June 18 after taking a throw to the head while running the bases. Brutal. Nobody wants to see a concussion, especially for a guy like Rutschman, who's been crushing it this season. Elias, thankfully, sounds a lot more optimistic about Rutschman, saying he's "doing well" and that things have "improved the last couple of days." They're "getting close there," he added. You gotta hope so!

Rutschman is a huge part of their lineup, batting .254 with eight homers and 40 RBIs in just 54 games. And get this: his .458 slugging percentage is the best of his five-season career! This 28-year-old, the No. 1 overall pick back in 2019, is pure impact. Getting him back healthy is absolutely critical for Baltimore, especially with another key player now out. Every team faces these kinds of battles, but losing a veteran arm and having your star catcher out with a head injury in the same breath? That's a real test of character.

It's a true test of depth when injuries like this hit in the middle of the season. Every team in MLB is fighting for inches, and staying healthy is half the battle. We'll be watching to see how the Orioles navigate these waters, and if Rutschman can get back in the lineup soon to steady the ship. This game, man, it always keeps you on your toes.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.