Just as the Detroit Tigers continue to surge atop the AL Central, they’ll be forced to shuffle their rotation. Starter Reese Olson has been placed on the injured list with a right ring finger injury, according to Chris McCosky of The Detroit News. In his place, the club has recalled right-handed reliever Chase Lee, and manager A.J. Hinch has confirmed a bullpen game is on tap for Wednesday.
Jack Flaherty's start is pushed to Thursday, first game against Cleveland https://t.co/GwsAzPoIBA
— Chris McCosky (@cmccosky) May 19, 2025
TL;DR
- Reese Olson lands on the IL with a right ring finger injury.
- Chase Lee, a sidearming reliever, is recalled from Triple-A Toledo.
- Wednesday’s series finale against the Cardinals will be a bullpen day for Detroit.
Olson Hits the IL
Reese Olson, who entered the season as a key part of Detroit’s young rotation, had been off to a solid start. In 9 starts, he posted a 2.95 ERA with 46 strikeouts in 55 innings. The Tigers leaned heavily on his ability to go deep into games, and his absence leaves a temporary hole in the back end of the rotation.
The team did not provide a timetable for his return, but finger injuries for pitchers — especially to their throwing hand — can be tricky. Detroit will take a cautious approach.
Chase Lee Gets the Call
With Olson out, the Tigers turned to Chase Lee, a funky right-handed reliever with a deceptive sidearm delivery. Known as “The Viper” during his time at Texas, Lee has quietly carved out a nice role in the minors.
This marks Lee’s second call-up of 2025, and he’s expected to play a crucial role in the middle innings during the upcoming bullpen game.
