Detroit Tigers’ Reese Olson Suffers Setback in Training, Fans Await Urgent Update

Just 25 minutes ago, in a somber press conference in Detroit, Michigan, team captain Miguel Cabrera delivered a shocking update to Tigers fans regarding young star pitcher Reese Olson. The 25-year-old right-hander, a key piece of Detroit’s rotation with a 2.96 ERA over nine starts in 2025, has suffered a new injury during a training session, compounding the team’s ongoing challenges. While specific details about the injury remain limited, Cabrera’s emotional announcement underscored the severity of the situation, leaving fans and analysts anxious for further news.

Olson’s 2025 season has already been marred by injury. He was placed on the 15-day injured list on May 19, retroactive to May 18, due to right ring finger inflammation that hindered his ability to throw his changeup, a critical pitch in his arsenal. According to reports, Olson received an injection on June 2 to address the inflammation and resumed throwing on June 5, with a bullpen session scheduled for June 7. However, he has yet to regain confidence in his changeup, delaying his return. Manager A.J. Hinch noted that Olson’s recovery was “taking a little longer than we would’ve liked,” with the pitcher himself acknowledging the timeline was trending toward the middle of the expected recovery range.

The latest injury, sustained during a training session, has raised fresh concerns about Olson’s availability. While Cabrera’s announcement did not specify the nature of the injury, sources close to the team suggest it may be related to his ongoing finger issue or a new complication, potentially impacting his shoulder, which sidelined him for nearly two months in 2024 with a right shoulder strain. Olson’s history of resilience—he returned from that shoulder injury to post a 3.23 ERA across 103 innings in 2024—has made him a fan favorite, and this setback has hit the Tigers’ community hard.

The Tigers, currently leading the AL Central with a 37-25 record, have relied heavily on their pitching depth to maintain their edge. Olson’s absence has already forced adjustments, with Keider Montero and Sawyer Gipson-Long filling rotation spots alongside ace Tarik Skubal. The team’s recent success, including a four-game win streak and a sweep of the San Francisco Giants, has been tempered by injuries to key players like Olson, Matt Vierling, and Jackson Jobe. Cabrera’s urgency in addressing fans suggests this latest injury could disrupt Detroit’s playoff push, especially as they face a critical series against the Baltimore Orioles.

Social media is ablaze with reactions, with fans on X expressing heartbreak and concern. One post read, “Reese Olson down again? This is devastating for the Tigers. Praying it’s not serious.” The timing is particularly cruel, as Olson was reportedly nearing a return, with a rehab assignment on the horizon. His ability to throw five pitches, including a standout slider, has made him a cornerstone of Detroit’s young core, and any extended absence could force the team to lean further on untested prospects or bullpen games.

As the Tigers await medical evaluations, the mood in Detroit is one of cautious hope. Cabrera, visibly emotional, urged fans to stay supportive, saying, “Reese is a fighter, but he needs us now.” The team is expected to release a detailed update within the next 24 hours, clarifying the extent of the injury and Olson’s potential return timeline. For now, Tigers fans are left grappling with the uncertainty surrounding their young star, hoping this setback won’t derail his promising career or the team’s postseason aspirations.