Tigers Activate Reese Olson for Crucial Guardians Start

The Detroit Tigers are set to activate right-hander Reese Olson from the injured list for a start against the Cleveland Guardians, marking his return after a finger inflammation sidelined him since mid-May. Olson, who has been impressive this season with a 2.96 ERA and 51 strikeouts in 48.2 innings over nine starts, made three rehab starts in Triple-A Toledo to build back his strength and demonstrated strong performance, including six strikeouts in six innings in his last outing. Manager A.J. Hinch praised Olson as an underrated and valuable pitcher whose return bolsters the Tigers' starting rotation, which has struggled with inconsistency outside of their top starters. Olson's comeback is timely as the Tigers aim to maintain their position atop the American League heading into the All-Star break, providing much-needed depth, especially given bullpen fatigue and uneven performances from other starters like Jack Flaherty. The team currently ranks among the best in ERA and WHIP in Major League Baseball, and Olson's return is expected to strengthen their pitching staff significantly. While pitch count limits for Olson's return start are unknown, any positive impact from him is seen as crucial for Detroit's playoff aspirations.