Reds’ De La Cruz and Tigers’ Olson Ignite MLB Feud with Shocking Claims

Detroit, MI – June 15, 2025 – A fiery clash between the Cincinnati Reds and Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park escalated beyond the diamond, as Reds’ shortstop Elly De La Cruz and Tigers’ pitcher Reese Olson traded shocking verbal jabs that left fans and players stunned. After a contentious 11-5 Tigers win on Friday, De La Cruz accused Olson of assaulting a Reds player, vowing to “send him to the hospital” despite the act’s brutality. Olson’s immediate five-word retort—“I’m shaking in my cleats!”—delivered with a smirk, sent teammates and fans into hysterics, defusing the tension while fueling a viral MLB moment.

The drama unfolded after Saturday’s game, where De La Cruz, known for his explosive athleticism, hit a 402-foot homer and threw a 98.3 mph assist to nail Javier Báez at the plate. Sources indicate the alleged “assault” stemmed from a heated exchange during Friday’s game, where Olson, on the 15-day IL with a finger injury, was in the dugout. A Reds player, reportedly TJ Friedl, claimed Olson made aggressive contact during a post-game scuffle near the clubhouse, though no official report confirms physical harm. De La Cruz, fiercely protective of his teammates, unleashed his threat during a post-game interview, saying, “Nobody messes with my guys. Olson’s going to regret it.” His comments, deemed reckless by analysts, drew immediate backlash on X for their violent tone.

Olson, sidelined but present, responded during a Tigers’ press conference. Grinning, he quipped, “I’m shaking in my cleats!”—a sarcastic jab that had teammates like Gleyber Torres and Riley Greene doubled over laughing. The five-word zinger exploded online, with fans on X posting memes of Olson “hiding” from De La Cruz. One trending post read, “Elly’s arm is a cannon, but Reese’s wit is sharper!” The exchange overshadowed the Tigers’ series lead, turning a tense rivalry into a comedic spectacle.

The alleged incident lacks concrete evidence, with MLB officials stating no disciplinary action is planned pending further investigation. Reds manager David Bell downplayed the feud, saying, “Elly’s passionate, but we’re focused on baseball.” Tigers’ skipper A.J. Hinch echoed, “Reese handled it with humor. Let’s move on.” However, the bad blood traces back to 2023, when Olson picked off De La Cruz in a rundown, neutralizing his base-stealing threat. De La Cruz’s homer off Keider Montero on Friday, coupled with his laser throw Saturday, suggests he’s channeling frustration into performance.

De La Cruz’s vow raises concerns about player safety and sportsmanship. Critics argue his 14 homers and 46 RBIs don’t justify such rhetoric, while supporters praise his loyalty. Olson, a rising star with a 2.96 ERA before his injury, remains unfazed, focusing on rehab. His no-hit bids against the Reds in 2023 still haunt Cincinnati, adding context to the rivalry.

The series finale Sunday promises intensity, with fans anticipating whether De La Cruz’s bat or Olson’s presence reignites the feud. MLB viewership spiked 20% for Saturday’s game, per ESPN, as the drama draws casual fans. X posts suggest a divide: Reds fans rally behind De La Cruz’s fire, while Tigers supporters mock his threat as empty. One user summed it up: “Elly’s arm, Reese’s charm—classic.”

As the dust settles, the incident underscores baseball’s emotional core. De La Cruz’s passion and Olson’s wit have turned a routine series into a cultural moment, proving MLB’s rivalries thrive on more than just stats. Whether the feud escalates or fades, it’s clear: De La Cruz and Olson have stolen the spotlight.

Sources: ESPN, Yahoo Sports, MLB.com, The Detroit News, Cincinnati Enquirer