Orioles Receive Chris Bassitt Injury Update

Daniel Kucin Jr&period;-Imagn Images

Orioles Receive Chris Bassitt Injury Update

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Miracle Dimwesh | Last updated Aug 2, 2026 1:17 PM ET

The Baltimore Orioles received an encouraging update on veteran starter Chris Bassitt on Sunday as the right-hander made his second rehab appearance with Triple-A Norfolk while continuing his recovery from back surgery. Bassitt started for the Tides against Worcester as he builds toward a return to Baltimore's rotation after spending nearly two months on the injured list.

The 37-year-old landed on the 15-day injured list in early June because of lower back discomfort before undergoing surgery later that month to remove a bone spur. Baltimore later transferred him to the 60-day injured list, making Sunday's outing another important milestone in his recovery.

Bassitt signed a one-year, $18.5 million contract with the Orioles before the season and made 12 appearances prior to the injury. He went 4-4 with a 5.27 ERA across 56.1 innings while recording 37 strikeouts.

Orioles RHP Chris Bassitt (back injury) is making his 2nd rehab start for Triple-A Norfolk today
— Jake Rill (@JakeDRill) August 2, 2026

His first rehab outing came earlier this week with Norfolk, and Sunday's appearance allowed him to continue increasing his workload. If he comes through the start without setbacks, the Orioles could soon determine the next step in his rehab process.

Baltimore entered Sunday with a 54-57 record and fourth place in the American League East. While the club remains on the fringe of postseason contention, getting Bassitt back would provide another experienced arm for a rotation that has relied heavily on Kyle Bradish, Trevor Rogers and Brandon Young.

Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Chris Bassitt (40)David Richard-Imagn Images

The Orioles have not announced a target date for Bassitt's activation, but a successful second rehab outing keeps him trending toward a return in the near future. His progress also gives Baltimore another internal option as the club evaluates its pitching staff following the trade deadline.

A healthy Bassitt would bolster the Orioles' rotation down the stretch after injuries limited his first season with the club, making Sunday's rehab appearance one of the organization's more notable developments heading into the week.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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