On the 15-day injured list since May 19th, Detroit Tigers starter Reese Olson is set to return to the mound on Friday versus the Cleveland Guardians. Olson made three rehab starts for Triple-A Toledo, throwing 10 1/3 innings and striking out 14 while walking six.
His first two starts were a bit shaky, but his last rehab start included six strikeouts in six innings, walking one batter and allowing only one hit. That gave the team enough confidence to call him back up to the rotation and have him make his next start at the major league level.
Reese Olson Returns to the Tigers on Friday
Much Needed Depth
Olson brings much-needed depth to the best team in the American League. The Tigers have been able to stay afloat atop the league despite the numerous injuries, but fatigue is showing within the bullpen.
AJ Hinch said Reese Olson’s next start will be in the big leagues, most likely in the Cleveland series. Possibly Friday.
— Chris McCosky (@cmccosky) July 2, 2025
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
In Olson’s nine starts this season, he has a 4-3 record with a 2.96 ERA and 1.171 WHIP in 46 1/3 innings. He was on pace for one of the best statistical seasons of his MLB career. Providing a reliable third option for manager A.J. Hinch and company, Olson was a key part of the team’s success in the first half of the season. The only question remaining is whether or not Olson can continue his early-season success into the second half of the season and postseason as well.
Reese Olson just shut down one of the best teams in baseball
7.1 IP | 2 H | 0 ER | 1 BB | 7 K
85 pitches
17 whiffs (9 on the changeup)
41 CSW%#RepDetroit
pic.twitter.com/NCuIQThjK9— DataBase Hit (@DatabaseHit) April 23, 2025
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
There is no immediate word on a pitch count or innings limit for Olson ahead of his Friday start, but one could assume it’s three to four innings. That was what we saw from Olson during his brief stint with Triple-A Toledo.
Inconsistency Within Rotation
Nonetheless, any sort of positive impact Olson can make should be considered good news for a Tigers team looking to contend this season. With the inconsistency of starter Jack Flaherty, the Tigers are in desperate need of a sure-fire number two starter to pair alongside reigning AL Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal.
The Tigers currently hold the fourth-best team ERA in baseball, and the addition of Olson is only going to make it better. While the bullpen has been locking it down for a chunk of the season, LHP Tyler Holton and RHP Tommy Kahnle have looked tired in some games. Eliminating some bullpen games will definitely help the cause.
Second Half Push
Even with Reese Olson returning to the mound on Friday for the Tigers, this team still needs to add one more starting pitcher at the deadline. Given the inconsistencies with Flaherty and Casey Mize at times, the Tigers should add more ammo if they want a shot at taking down whoever comes out of the National League.
In what is a wide-open American League, the Tigers have no reason not to go “all-in” and make a big splash at the deadline. We will have to wait and see which teams are going to be willing to sell, but the Tigers need to be prepared. There should be an abundance of options, and given what we’ve seen in other sports, everyone is available for the right price. This is the chance for the Tigers to make it to the World Series.
Main Photo Credit: © Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
The post Reese Olson Set to Return to the Mound on Friday appeared first on Last Word On Baseball.