Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Reese Olson left Monday’s game in the third inning after being struck in the hip by a line drive.
Kansas City Royals second baseman Michael Massey struck a ball with a 102 mph exit velocity right back at the mound, where it caromed off Olson’s hip.
Olson appeared in pain and momentarily stunned, as he didn’t chase the ball.
After Olson threw a couple of practice pitches from the mound, Tigers manager A.J. Hinch decided to remove him from the game.
Olson wanted to stay in and appeared disappointed by his early exit.
The team later said he had a right hip contusion.
Beau Brieske entered the game in relief with the Tigers trailing the Royals 2-0 at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City.
Massey homered off Olson in the second inning. It was the first homer Olson had allowed all season (48 1/3 innings).
Olson was nearly flawless in his last start on May 14, allowing just three singles in eight scoreless innings against the Miami Marlins. He struck out six without issuing a walk. The Tigers lost 1-0 in 10 innings. Olson has gotten less run support than any other starting pitcher in baseball, a trend that continued in the early innings on Monday.
Olson, 24, was acquired from the Milwaukee Brewers in exchange for Daniel Norris in 2021. He had an impressive rookie season with the Tigers in 2023 and won a 2024 rotation spot in spring training.
Despite his 0-4 record, he’s pitched extremely well this year, posting a 2.18 ERA in nine starts (50 innings). He’s struck out 43 and walked 16.
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