Friday, March 18, 2011

Bucs Claim Another Olson

The Pirates today claimed LHP Garrett Olson off waivers from the Seattle Mariners.

Olson, 27, pitched in five spring games for Seattle with a 5.40 ERA. He appeared in 35 games for the Mariners last season, striking out 31 and walking 15 in 37-2/3 innings of work, with a save and 4.54 ERA. In his career, he's appeared 99 times (44 starts) and has a 6.20 ERA.

He exclusively started his first two seasons as an Oriole; the Mariners used him as a spot starter in 2009 and strictly from the bullpen last year.

Olson gives up hits - his WHIP is 1.661 - and long balls, 1.5/9 innings. He's also a bit of a wild child, issuing 4.4 walks/9 innings. Beside taking over the league lead in Garretts, the Bucs are hoping that Olson can light a fire under lefties Scott Olsen and Joe Beimel, who have been BP pitchers in limited action so far this spring.

To make room for Olson on the 40-man roster, the Pirates placed right-handed pitcher Kevin Hart on the 60-day DL.

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