Tigers pitching injury adds another layer to Justin Verlander signing

Justin Verlander's return to the Detroit Tigers is a perfect capstone to what has been a Hall of Fame career.

Verlander spent his first 13 years with the Tigers before being traded to the Astros in 2017. The 2012 AL Cy Young and MVP, Verlander was a six-time All-Star during his time in Detroit, posting a 3.49 ERA and a 1.191 WHIP over his 2511 innings, striking out 2,373 batters with 766 walks.

While Verlander's career coming full circle is a nice story, it is also one that may have been born out of necessity. The Tigers announced on Tuesday that pitcher Reese Olson will miss the 2026 season after undergoing surgery for a right shoulder labral repair.

Reese Olson quietly a significant loss for Detroit Tigers

Olson made just 13 appearances for the Tigers in 2025 as he missed time due to inflammation in his right ring finger and a strained right shoulder. He had impressed when he was able to get on the mound, posting a 3.15 ERA and a 1.209 WHIP over his 68.2 innings, striking out 65 batters with 25 walks.

Verlander, 42, is not the same pitcher he was during his first stint with the Tigers. He overcame a rough start to 2025 to have another solid showing, posting a 3.85 ERA and a 1.362 WHIP over his 152 innings with the Giants, striking out 137 batters with 52 walks.

Chances are, at this stage of his career, Verlander will not be able to replicate Olson's performance. However, with Tarik Skubal and Framber Valdez atop the rotation, the Tigers will not need him to. All they need is someone to take the ball every fifth day and provide quality innings. If Verlander can do that, his return to Detroit could result in a playoff berth.