Tigers' Olson won't need shoulder surgery, might return for playoffs

Reese Olson's 2025 campaign may not be finished after all.

The Detroit Tigers right-hander had been ruled out for the year after landing on the 60-day injured list with a shoulder strain last week. However, Olson won't wind up requiring surgery, the starter shared Monday. That development, he said, has opened the door for a potential return during the postseason.

"Hopefully, the boys make a deep run into October and I can contribute at some point. I think that's the idea everyone has right now," Olson told reporters, according to Evan Woodberry of MLive.com.

Olson added that he's still awaiting a firm diagnosis and timetable from doctors, according to Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic.

Olson was placed on the 60-day IL on July 28, making Sept. 26 - the third-last day of the regular season - the earliest possible procedural date for his return. He'd also have to ramp back up in order to pitch in October, whether as a starter or reliever.

The 26-year-old struggled in his final start before the injury, allowing a season-high five runs and two homers over 5 2/3 innings against the Toronto Blue Jays on July 24. He then felt discomfort while throwing a bullpen two days later, leading the Tigers to send him for an MRI that revealed the strain, president of baseball operations Scott Harris said last week.

Despite missing almost two months earlier in the year with a finger issue, Olson had emerged as one of Detroit's best pitchers before the shoulder injury. His 3.15 ERA and 1.21 WHIP over 13 starts are the second-best marks among Tigers starters.

The Tigers filled Olson's rotation spot by acquiring right-hander Chris Paddack from Minnesota the same day Olson landed on the IL. Detroit also traded for veteran starter Charlie Morton ahead of last Thursday's deadline.

Detroit entered Monday tied with the Blue Jays for the AL's best record.