The Detroit Tigers celebrated a commanding 6-0 victory over the San Diego Padres on April 23, 2025, at Comerica Park, largely thanks to Reese Olson’s masterful performance. The 25-year-old right-hander delivered 7 1/3 scoreless innings, allowing just two hits, one walk, and striking out seven on a mere 85 pitches. Manager A.J. Hinch called it “an incredible performance,” and even Padres star Manny Machado admitted, “That guy was dealing today.” However, the euphoria of the win has been overshadowed by growing concerns among Tigers fans, who are now praying for Olson after he was seen limping off the field and clutching his right leg in the clubhouse.
Sources close to the team report that Olson may have aggravated a lingering leg injury during the eighth inning, possibly when he reacted to Javier Báez’s spectacular 116-foot sprint to catch a 407-foot drive by Tirso Ornelas. Witnesses noted Olson wincing as he applauded Báez’s play, and he appeared to favor his right leg while exiting to a standing ovation. Although the Tigers have not released an official statement, social media is ablaze with fan speculation, with hashtags like #PrayForReese trending on X. One fan posted, “Reese was untouchable today, but my heart sank seeing him limp. Please be okay, we need you!”
This isn’t the first time Olson has faced injury concerns. In 2024, he missed nearly two months due to a right shoulder strain, and earlier that season, he took a 101.8 mph line drive off his right leg, raising durability questions. Despite these setbacks, Olson has emerged as a cornerstone of Detroit’s rotation, which boasts a 2.94 ERA, tops in the AL. His 3.29 ERA and 3-1 record in 2025 highlight his importance to a Tigers team that’s won 15 of their last 22 games and six of eight series.
The timing of this potential injury couldn’t be worse, with the Tigers gearing up for a crucial series against the Baltimore Orioles. Fans fear that losing Olson, even temporarily, could disrupt Detroit’s playoff push. “Reese is our quiet warrior,” one supporter tweeted. “If he’s hurt, it’s a gut punch.” Local sports radio stations have been flooded with calls, with some fans organizing prayer vigils outside Comerica Park.
The Tigers’ medical staff is reportedly evaluating Olson, with an MRI scheduled for Thursday. Teammates have rallied around him, with Báez saying, “Reese gave us everything today. We’re all pulling for him.” Manager Hinch remained cautiously optimistic, noting, “We’ll know more soon, but Reese is tough.” For now, the Detroit faithful are left anxiously awaiting updates, their joy from the Padres shutout tempered by worry. As the baseball world watches, the hope is that Olson’s injury is minor, allowing the young pitcher to continue his breakout season and keep the Tigers’ postseason dreams alive.
