LAKELAND, Fla. — Now we know why the Detroit Tigers have been stockpiling starting pitchers.
Right-hander Reese Olson, an important part of the Tigers’ rotation for the last three seasons, was placed on the 60-day injured list on Tuesday after undergoing labral repair surgery last week.
The team said Olson would miss the entire 2026 season.
The Tigers also placed right-handed pitcher Jackson Jobe on the 60-day IL. That move was expected after Jobe underwent Tommy John elbow surgery last June.
The two moves created spots for the Tigers to formally add veteran starters Framber Valdez and Justin Verlander to the roster.
Olson, 26, was acquired from the Milwaukee Brewers in exchange for Daniel Norris at the trade deadline in 2021. He debuted in 2023 and has become one of the Tigers’ steadiest starters, posting a 3.60 ERA over 284 career innings.
He missed the final two months of last season due to a shoulder strain. The Tigers said he underwent surgery with Dr. Keith Meister on Feb. 2, which would suggest that until recently, he was planning on pitching in 2026.
It would also explain the Tigers’ sudden flurry of interest in adding more starting pitching in the days before spring training.
The Tigers’ projected rotation now includes Verlander, Valdez, ace Tarik Skubal, Jack Flaherty and Casey Mize. Drew Anderson and Troy Melton could also be in the mix.
Tigers’ spring training opens on Wednesday when pitchers and catchers officially report to camp.
TIGERS’ SPRING ROSTER (64)
Left-handed pitchers (11): Enmanuel De Jesus, Sean Guenther, Tyler Holton, Bailey Horn, Brant Hurter, Jake Miller, Konnor Pilkington, Bryan Sammons, Tarik Skubal, Drew Sommers, Framber Valdez.
Right-handed pitchers (26): Drew Anderson, Phil Bickford, Beau Brieske, Dugan Darnell, Scott Effross, Kyle Finnegan, Jack Flaherty, Sawyer Gipson-Long, Brenan Hanifee, Kenley Jansen, Jack Little, Ty Madden, Tyler Mattison, Troy Melton, Casey Mize, Keider Montero, Tyler Owens, Tanner Rainey, Matt Seelinger, Burch Smith, Dylan Smith, Ricky Vanasco, Justin Verlander, Will Vest, Cole Waites, Troy Watson.
Catchers (6): Josue Briceño, Dillon Dingler, Thayron Liranzo, Tomás Nido, Jake Rogers, Eduardo Valencia.
Infielders (12): Max Anderson, Javier Báez, Trei Cruz, Jace Jung, Colt Keith, Hao-Yu Lee, Kevin McGonigle, Zach McKinstry, John Peck, Trey Sweeney, Spencer Torkelson, Gleyber Torres.
Outfielders (9): Kerry Carpenter, Max Clark, Riley Greene, Jahmai Jones, Corey Julks, Ben Malgeri, Parker Meadows, Wenceel Pérez, Matt Vierling.
Players on the 40-man roster are in bold. Spring invitees are in italics.
Right-handed pitchers Jackson Jobe (Tommy John surgery) and Reese Olson (labral repair surgery) are on the 60-day injured list.