Blue Jays place pitcher Chris Bassitt on 15-day injured list with back inflammation

The Toronto Blue Jays have placed starting pitcher Chris Bassitt on the 15-day injured list due to lower back inflammation, retroactive to September 19, effectively ending his 2025 regular season. Bassitt, who has a 3.96 ERA and 166 strikeouts over 170.1 innings this season, will be eligible to return in time for the American League Division Series if his recovery permits. To fill the gap, the Blue Jays have recalled left-hander Mason Fluharty from Triple-A Buffalo, who will provide additional pitching depth. With Bassitt sidelined, Toronto's rotation down the stretch includes Kevin Gausman, Shane Bieber, Max Scherzer, and Trey Yesavage, with José Berríos potentially moving to the bullpen. The Blue Jays hold a 3.0 game lead in the AL East and are pushing for the No. 1 seed, which would grant them a first-round playoff bye and potentially allow Bassitt to return for postseason play. This injury challenge comes at a critical juncture as the team prepares for the MLB playoffs.