Detroit Tigers playoff push against Tampa Bay Rays: game time, TV channel

Olson made just three starters in July before being placed on the injured list with a shoulder injury, and did not pitch for the Tigers again until September 16, when the team was in the midst of a playoff challenge. In his two appearances since returning to the Tigers, he pitched 2⅓ and three innings. In his first appearance, he allowed a costly grand slam to Bobby Witt Jr. and the Royals that earned all four of his earned runs, but he looked good in his second appearance after the injury, allowing one hit and one run in three innings and striking out three batters.

BREATHE: The Detroit Tigers continue to prove that they are made for the playoffs, even if it is never easy

Olson will be thrown into another tricky situation on Thursday, as he is scheduled to start the final game of the series against the Rays before the Tigers begin a new series with the worst team in modern baseball history, the Chicago White Sox.

The Tigers will likely have to rely heavily on their bullpen again as Olson continues to try to get his pitch count back up. Before his injury in July, Olson was usually taken out of the game when he had around 100 pitches, a number he reached twice, but since his return he has thrown 50 and 58 pitches. Expect the pitch count to be around that number again on Thursday, barring something unexpected.