LAKELAND, FL – Detroit Tigers right-hander Reese Olson underwent surgery to repair a torn labrum in his right shoulder on February 2nd, a procedure that will sideline him for the entirety of the 2026 season. The surgery was performed by Dr. Keith Meister, according to a team announcement.
Olson, who experienced recurring shoulder issues, initially considered surgery following a re-injury during the 2025 postseason. Though, he opted to explore conservative rehabilitation options before ultimately deciding on the surgical route in early February. “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,” Olson explained. “So that was the thought process in not doing surgery in October.”
The injury first surfaced during the 2025 season, forcing Olson to two stints on the injured list – once in mid-May with right ring finger inflammation and again in late July due to a right shoulder strain. Despite these setbacks, Olson posted a 3.15 ERA with 25 walks and 65 strikeouts across 68⅔ innings in 13 starts.
The timing of Olson’s surgery created an opportunity for veteran right-hander Justin Verlander, who recently rejoined the Tigers on a one-year, $13 million contract. Verlander was away from spring training due to a previously scheduled family commitment, returning to camp on Tuesday, February 17th, according to Tigers manager A.J. Hinch. Hinch stated Verlander informed him of the commitment weeks prior.
Olson has leaned on teammates with experience recovering from major surgeries for guidance. He sought advice from left-hander Tarik Skubal, right-hander Casey Mize, and right-hander Jackson Jobe, all of whom underwent elbow reconstruction. Although their procedures differed from his shoulder repair, Olson valued their insights into the mental challenges of a lengthy rehabilitation process. “They inform you to just attack every day, attack rehab,” Olson said. “You got to make it fun due to the fact that some days are boring and the same thing over and over again.”
The recovery process will require Olson to wear a sling on his right arm both at the Tigers’ spring training facility and while sleeping, though he will be able to remove it at home when awake. He anticipates being able to discontinue use of the sling in a few weeks.
Olson will remain in Lakeland throughout 2026 to focus on his rehabilitation, rather than traveling with the team to Detroit. He is targeting a return to the mound for the start of the 2027 season. “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.”
Over his three-year MLB career, Olson has a 3.60 ERA in 56 games (53 starts). Injuries have limited him to 35 starts over the past two seasons, significantly fewer than the approximately 65 starts he would have made without the interruptions.
