Tigers' Reese Olson Out for Season Amid Justin Verlander News

Olson to miss 2026 season after shoulder surgery, creating roster spot for Verlander's return to Detroit

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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The Detroit Tigers received both good and bad news regarding their starting rotation. While the team signed future Hall of Famer Justin Verlander to a one-year, $13 million deal, they also announced that right-hander Reese Olson will miss the entire 2026 season after undergoing a right shoulder labral repair. Olson's 2025 season was cut short in July due to a shoulder strain.

Why it matters

Olson's injury is a significant blow to the Tigers' pitching depth, but the addition of Verlander provides a major boost to the team's rotation. With Tarik Skubal and Framber Valdez also in the mix, Detroit now has the potential for one of the best starting rotations in baseball.

The details

Olson was placed on the 60-day injured list, opening up a 40-man roster spot for Verlander. In 13 starts last season, Olson posted a 3.15 ERA in 68.2 innings and struck out 22.8 percent of the batters he faced. He is expected to rejoin the rotation in 2027, which could be Verlander's final season before retirement.

  • Olson's 2025 season was cut short in July due to a shoulder strain.
  • Olson underwent a right shoulder labral repair and will miss the entire 2026 season.

The players

Reese Olson

A right-handed pitcher for the Detroit Tigers who will miss the 2026 season due to a shoulder injury.

Justin Verlander

A future Hall of Fame pitcher who signed a one-year, $13 million deal to return to the Detroit Tigers for the 2026 season.

Tarik Skubal

A left-handed pitcher for the Detroit Tigers who is entering his walk year and aims to win a third consecutive AL Cy Young Award.

Framber Valdez

A left-handed pitcher who signed a three-year, $115 million deal with the Detroit Tigers and has been one of the more consistent starters in MLB over the past half-decade.

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What’s next

Olson can rejoin the rotation in 2027 when Verlander may decide to call it a career and retire.

The takeaway

The Tigers' rotation has the potential to be one of the best in baseball with the addition of Verlander, but the loss of Olson for the 2026 season is a setback that the team will need to overcome.