Why didn't Reese Olson get surgery in 2025? He explains 4-month wait
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Why didn't Reese Olson get surgery in 2025? He explains 4-month wait
Evan Petzold, Detroit Free Press·Detroit Free Press
·
4 min read
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LAKELAND, FL – Right-handerReese Olsoncould've had shoulder surgery in October, when he reinjured his right shoulder as theDetroit Tigerswere competing in the postseason.
Instead, Olson waited until early February, after gathering the opinions of several doctors.
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He will miss the entire 2026 season.
"Having surgery now versus having surgery in October, I still would have missed this full season and still be expected for right around Opening Day next year," said Olson, who missed time in both 2024 and 2025 with shoulder injuries, "so that was the thought process in not doing surgery in October."
Detroit Tigers pitcher Reese Olson talks to teammates as he watches practice during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Friday, Feb. 13, 2026.
On Feb. 2, Olson underwent right shoulder labral repair surgery, with Dr. Keith Meister performing the procedure. He attempted to rehab throughout the offseason, but setbacks while preparing for spring training ultimately led to surgery.
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The issue flared up again when he played catch from 120 feet.
"I've missed time the past two years, and I'm going to miss a full year now," Olson said. "It's super-frustrating. But now I've got this full year to figure out what my shoulder needs and what my body needs to stay healthy. I'll change routines and change everything to make sure that the past two years doesn't happen again, to where I can be healthy from here on out."
In 2025, Olson posted a 3.15 ERA with 25 walks (8.8% walk rate) and 65 strikeouts (22.8% strikeout rate) across 68â…” innings in 13 starts. He made two trips to the injured list, suffering from right ring finger inflammation in mid-May and a right shoulder strain in late July.
After surgery, Olson sought advice from teammates such as left-handerTarik Skubal, right-handerCasey Mizeand right-handerJackson Jobe. All three pitchers needed major elbow surgeries, but none had a shoulder procedure like Olson. Still, Skubal and Mize understand the mental challenges of a lengthy rehab process, as do others in the Tigers' clubhouse.
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"They tell you to just attack every day, attack rehab," Olson said. "You got to make it fun because some days are boring and the same thing over and over again."
As part of his recovery, Olson is required to wear a sling on his right arm at the facility and while sleeping, though he can remove it at home when he's awake. He has a couple more weeks before he can ditch the sling entirely.
It has impacted his life outside of baseball.
"Brushing teeth and stuff was tough for the first few times," Olson said. "It's frustrating, but I'm getting used to it."
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Olson will spend all of 2026 rehabbing at the Tigers' spring training complex in Lakeland, rather than joining the Tigers at Comerica Park in Detroit.
He expects to be ready for Opening Day in 2027.
"It's nice to be in my boring part of rehab when I'm not doing much during spring, when everyone's here," Olson said. "Once the guys leave is when I'll start ramping up and doing more stuff. It's nice to have them here for this part."
Detroit Tigers infielder Jace Jung practices as third base coach Joey Cora watches during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Detroit Tigers outfielder Jahmai Jones bats at live batting practice during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Detroit Tigers pitcher Casey Mize throws at live batting practice during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Detroit Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal practices during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Detroit Tigers special assistant to the general manager Alan Trammell, left, talks to president of baseball operations Scott Harris as they watch practice during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Detroit Tigers infielder John Peck watches practice during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
From left, Detroit Tigers manager A.J. Hinch, special assistant to the general manager Alan Trammell, president of baseball operations Scott Harris and general manager Jeff Greenberg watch practice during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Detroit Tigers infielder Jace Jung practices during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Detroit Tigers pitcher Bailey Horn practices during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Detroit Tigers pitcher Beau Brieske practices during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Detroit Tigers pitcher Phil Bickford practices during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Detroit Tigers pitcher Tanner Rainey practices during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Detroit Tigers infielder Kevin McGonigle practices during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Detroit Tigers pitcher Konnor Pilkington practices during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Detroit Tigers pitcher Framber Valdez walks off the field after practice during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Detroit Tigers pitcher Keider Montero walks off the field after practice during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Detroit Tigers pitcher Casey Mize throws at live batting practice during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Detroit Tigers pitcher Casey Mize throws at live batting practice during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Detroit Tigers infielder Colt Keith bats at live batting practice during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Detroit Tigers senior advisor to the president and general manager Scott Bream, left, and special assistant to the general manager Alan Trammell watch practice during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Detroit Tigers pitcher Casey Mize throws at live batting practice during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Detroit Tigers outfielder Kerry Carpenter bats at live batting practice during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Detroit Tigers pitcher Casey Mize, left, shakes hands with catcher Tomás Nido after live batting practice during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Detroit Tigers pitcher Enmanuel De Jesus throws at live batting practice during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Detroit Tigers second baseman Gleyber Torres bats at live batting practice during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Detroit Tigers pitcher Enmanuel De Jesus throws at live batting practice during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Detroit Tigers pitcher Ty Madden throws at live batting practice during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Detroit Tigers pitcher Ty Madden throws at live batting practice during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Detroit Tigers infielder Hao-Yu Lee, left, and second baseman Gleyber Torres, watch live batting practice during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Detroit Tigers pitcher Ty Madden, left, shakes hands with catcher Thayron Liranzo after live batting practice during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Detroit Tigers pitcher Enmanuel De Jesus throws at live batting practice during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Detroit Tigers infielder John Peck practices during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Detroit Tigers outfielder Jahmai Jones smiles at live batting practice during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Detroit Tigers pitcher Enmanuel De Jesus throws at live batting practice during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Detroit Tigers infielder Hao-Yu Lee walks off the field after live batting practice during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Detroit Tigers pitcher Enmanuel De Jesus fist bumps catcher Eduardo Valencia after live batting practice during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Detroit Tigers infielder Hao-Yu Lee, left, and interpreter Peter Lin walk off the field after practice during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Detroit Tigers infielder Hao-Yu Lee signs autographs for fans after practice during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
A Porsche GT3 RS is seen parked outside at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Detroit Tigers outfielder Trei Cruz bats at practices during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Detroit Tigers infielder Max Anderson practices during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Detroit Tigers infielder Max Anderson bats at practices during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Detroit Tigers pitcher Drew Sommers practices during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Detroit Tigers pitcher Bryan Sammons practices during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Detroit Tigers pitcher Ricky Vanasco practices during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Detroit Tigers High-A bench coach Cole Roberts watches practice during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Detroit Tigers pitcher Matt Seelinger practices during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Detroit Tigers infielder Jace Jung practices during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Detroit Tigers special assistant to the general manager Alan Trammell talks to players at practice during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Detroit Tigers pitcher Dylan Smith practices during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
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Detroit Tigers pitchers, catchers roll on in Day 4 of spring training
Detroit Tigers infielder Jace Jung practices as third base coach Joey Cora watches during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
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Detroit Tigers pitchers, catchers roll on in Day 4 of spring training
Detroit Tigers infielder Jace Jung practices as third base coach Joey Cora watches during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
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Detroit Tigers pitchers, catchers roll on in Day 4 of spring training
Detroit Tigers outfielder Jahmai Jones bats at live batting practice during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
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Detroit Tigers pitchers, catchers roll on in Day 4 of spring training
Detroit Tigers pitcher Casey Mize throws at live batting practice during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
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Detroit Tigers pitchers, catchers roll on in Day 4 of spring training
Detroit Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal practices during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
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Detroit Tigers pitchers, catchers roll on in Day 4 of spring training
Detroit Tigers special assistant to the general manager Alan Trammell, left, talks to president of baseball operations Scott Harris as they watch practice during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
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Detroit Tigers pitchers, catchers roll on in Day 4 of spring training
Detroit Tigers infielder John Peck watches practice during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
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Detroit Tigers pitchers, catchers roll on in Day 4 of spring training
From left, Detroit Tigers manager A.J. Hinch, special assistant to the general manager Alan Trammell, president of baseball operations Scott Harris and general manager Jeff Greenberg watch practice during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
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Detroit Tigers pitchers, catchers roll on in Day 4 of spring training
Detroit Tigers infielder Jace Jung practices during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
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Detroit Tigers pitchers, catchers roll on in Day 4 of spring training
Detroit Tigers pitcher Bailey Horn practices during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
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Detroit Tigers pitchers, catchers roll on in Day 4 of spring training
Detroit Tigers pitcher Beau Brieske practices during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
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Detroit Tigers pitchers, catchers roll on in Day 4 of spring training
Detroit Tigers pitcher Phil Bickford practices during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
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Detroit Tigers pitchers, catchers roll on in Day 4 of spring training
Detroit Tigers pitcher Tanner Rainey practices during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
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Kevin McGonigle enjoying his first Detroit Tigers spring training
Detroit Tigers infielder Kevin McGonigle practices during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
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Detroit Tigers pitchers, catchers roll on in Day 4 of spring training
Detroit Tigers pitcher Konnor Pilkington practices during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
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See Framber Valdez at his first Detroit Tigers spring training
Detroit Tigers pitcher Framber Valdez walks off the field after practice during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
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Detroit Tigers pitchers, catchers roll on in Day 4 of spring training
Detroit Tigers pitcher Keider Montero walks off the field after practice during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
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Detroit Tigers pitchers, catchers roll on in Day 4 of spring training
Detroit Tigers pitcher Casey Mize throws at live batting practice during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
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Detroit Tigers pitchers, catchers roll on in Day 4 of spring training
Detroit Tigers pitcher Casey Mize throws at live batting practice during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
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Detroit Tigers pitchers, catchers roll on in Day 4 of spring training
Detroit Tigers infielder Colt Keith bats at live batting practice during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
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Detroit Tigers pitchers, catchers roll on in Day 4 of spring training
Detroit Tigers senior advisor to the president and general manager Scott Bream, left, and special assistant to the general manager Alan Trammell watch practice during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
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Detroit Tigers pitchers, catchers roll on in Day 4 of spring training
Detroit Tigers pitcher Casey Mize throws at live batting practice during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
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Detroit Tigers pitchers, catchers roll on in Day 4 of spring training
Detroit Tigers outfielder Kerry Carpenter bats at live batting practice during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
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Detroit Tigers pitchers, catchers roll on in Day 4 of spring training
Detroit Tigers pitcher Casey Mize, left, shakes hands with catcher Tomás Nido after live batting practice during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
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Detroit Tigers pitchers, catchers roll on in Day 4 of spring training
Detroit Tigers pitcher Enmanuel De Jesus throws at live batting practice during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
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Detroit Tigers pitchers, catchers roll on in Day 4 of spring training
Detroit Tigers second baseman Gleyber Torres bats at live batting practice during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
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Detroit Tigers pitchers, catchers roll on in Day 4 of spring training
Detroit Tigers pitcher Enmanuel De Jesus throws at live batting practice during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
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Detroit Tigers pitchers, catchers roll on in Day 4 of spring training
Detroit Tigers pitcher Ty Madden throws at live batting practice during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
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Detroit Tigers pitchers, catchers roll on in Day 4 of spring training
Detroit Tigers pitcher Ty Madden throws at live batting practice during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
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Detroit Tigers pitchers, catchers roll on in Day 4 of spring training
Detroit Tigers infielder Hao-Yu Lee, left, and second baseman Gleyber Torres, watch live batting practice during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
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Detroit Tigers pitchers, catchers roll on in Day 4 of spring training
Detroit Tigers pitcher Ty Madden, left, shakes hands with catcher Thayron Liranzo after live batting practice during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
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Detroit Tigers pitchers, catchers roll on in Day 4 of spring training
Detroit Tigers pitcher Enmanuel De Jesus throws at live batting practice during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
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Detroit Tigers pitchers, catchers roll on in Day 4 of spring training
Detroit Tigers infielder John Peck practices during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
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Detroit Tigers pitchers, catchers roll on in Day 4 of spring training
Detroit Tigers outfielder Jahmai Jones smiles at live batting practice during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
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Detroit Tigers pitchers, catchers roll on in Day 4 of spring training
Detroit Tigers pitcher Enmanuel De Jesus throws at live batting practice during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
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Detroit Tigers pitchers, catchers roll on in Day 4 of spring training
Detroit Tigers infielder Hao-Yu Lee walks off the field after live batting practice during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
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Detroit Tigers pitchers, catchers roll on in Day 4 of spring training
Detroit Tigers pitcher Enmanuel De Jesus fist bumps catcher Eduardo Valencia after live batting practice during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
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Detroit Tigers pitchers, catchers roll on in Day 4 of spring training
Detroit Tigers infielder Hao-Yu Lee, left, and interpreter Peter Lin walk off the field after practice during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
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See Tigers signing autographs in 2026 spring training at TigerTown
Detroit Tigers infielder Hao-Yu Lee signs autographs for fans after practice during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
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Detroit Tigers pitchers, catchers roll on in Day 4 of spring training
A Porsche GT3 RS is seen parked outside at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
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Detroit Tigers pitchers, catchers roll on in Day 4 of spring training
Detroit Tigers outfielder Trei Cruz bats at practices during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
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Detroit Tigers pitchers, catchers roll on in Day 4 of spring training
Detroit Tigers infielder Max Anderson practices during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
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Detroit Tigers pitchers, catchers roll on in Day 4 of spring training
Detroit Tigers infielder Max Anderson bats at practices during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
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Detroit Tigers pitchers, catchers roll on in Day 4 of spring training
Detroit Tigers pitcher Drew Sommers practices during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
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Detroit Tigers pitchers, catchers roll on in Day 4 of spring training
Detroit Tigers pitcher Bryan Sammons practices during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
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Detroit Tigers pitchers, catchers roll on in Day 4 of spring training
Detroit Tigers pitcher Ricky Vanasco practices during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
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Detroit Tigers pitchers, catchers roll on in Day 4 of spring training
Detroit Tigers High-A bench coach Cole Roberts watches practice during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
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Detroit Tigers pitchers, catchers roll on in Day 4 of spring training
Detroit Tigers pitcher Matt Seelinger practices during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
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Detroit Tigers pitchers, catchers roll on in Day 4 of spring training
Detroit Tigers infielder Jace Jung practices during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
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Detroit Tigers pitchers, catchers roll on in Day 4 of spring training
Detroit Tigers special assistant to the general manager Alan Trammell talks to players at practice during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
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Detroit Tigers pitchers, catchers roll on in Day 4 of spring training
Detroit Tigers pitcher Dylan Smith practices during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Olson, who turns 27 in late July, owns a 3.60 ERA over his three-year MLB career, spanning 56 games (53 starts). He has been limited to 35 starts in the 2024 and 2025 seasons, well short of the potential 65 starts had he avoided the injured list.
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It's a long journey ahead.
But the timeline wouldn't have changed had Olson undergone surgery in October instead of February.
"No matter what, now with this surgery, if everything goes according to plan, I'll be good for Opening Day next season," Olson said. "That's why we tried to rehab to avoid surgery."
Listen to our weekly Tigers show "Days of Roar" every Monday afternoon during the season and Tuesday afternoon during the offseason on Apple, Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts.
