Tigers get off on wrong foot in second half as Reese Olson leaves game with injury

Heading into the second half, the Detroit Tigers' 2024 playoff aspirations are hanging on by a thread. Entering the action on Saturday, the Tigers were six games out in the AL wild card race and 12 games out in the division chase. Detroit making the playoffs from that position isn't IMPOSSIBLE, but it would certainly be difficult and would require a lot to break Detroit's way.

Unfortunately, those hopes took a significant hit on Saturday, Reese Olson was on the mound against the Blue Jays and after two scoreless innings, Olson was pulled early from the game with what was termed right shoulder soreness.

Detroit Tigers News: Reese Olson leaves start against Blue Jays with shoulder injury

While it's still incredibly early, Tigers fans should probably avoid hitting the panic button right away. It is possible Olson just didn't feel quite right and he will miss minimal time. However, that the injury was almost immediately identified as a shoulder injury isn't a great sign. Even if shoulder injuries are minor, teams are very wary of bringing guys back quickly from them and a stint on the injured list feels likely at the moment.

It is a bit of a shame for Olson. After a bit of an up and down season for him, he had a pair of decent starts right before the All-Star break and appeared to be back on track as a rotation mainstay for the Tigers. Now, the Tigers head into the trade deadline potentially down a starter and with even less of an argument to do much in the way of buying.

As for what the next step could be if Olson does land on the shelf, that is a bit trickier. Obviously the sexiest option would be to call up top prospect Jackson Jobe, but he just got back from his rehab assignment and could use more seasoning. The more likely option is that the Tigers either give Kenta Maeda another chance or call-up a guy like Ty Madden. Olson's injury also PROBABLY slightly decreases the slim chance that the Tigers trade Tarik Skubal at the deadline as well.

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