The Detroit Tigers ' 2026 season was filled with injured players. Whether they played at the minor or major league level, the Tigers organization was one of the most unlucky with the injury bug this season, and it started well before the season officially began.

Fans will remember that Detroit signed Framber Valdez to a three-year, $115 million deal in free agency, but it came after arbitration disputes with Tarik Skubal and injury news to one of the projected starters for the 2026 rotation: Reese Olson.

Olson was shut down for the entire season due to undergoing right shoulder labral repair surgery on Feb. 2, with an MLB ETA of 2027. Thankfully for the Tigers, Olson is completing his return-to-play throwing progression and is on track to return to the mound next season (assuming the current Collective Bargaining Agreement expiring doesn't lead to a lockout)

Why This Rotation Missed Olson in 2026

Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Reese Olson (45) throws a pitch.…