Olson was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles as a sandwich pick between the first and second rounds (48th overall) of the 2005 MLB draft.[2] During the 2005 season, he played mostly with the Aberdeen IronBirds, moving to the Frederick Keys in August.[3] In 2006, he advanced to the Double-A Bowie Baysox,[3] and was named the Baltimore Orioles Minor League Player of the Year. Olson was invited to the All-Star Futures Game.
Through 2007, Olson was 21–17 with a 2.95ERA, and averaged 7.37hits and 8.82strikeouts per nine innings during his minor league career. He was mentioned, but did not participate in the 2007All-Star Futures Game, representing the United States team.
Olson was promoted from the Triple-A Norfolk Tides to take the place of injured Orioles starter Steve Trachsel, and he made his major league debut on Independence Day of 2007 against the Chicago White Sox. He would have earned the win in his debut, but he only pitched 4+1⁄3 innings, falling two outs shy of the five innings required to qualify for a win.[4] He earned his first career win in his next start, also against the White Sox, on July 15, giving up two runs in 5+1⁄3 innings, both on solo home runs by Jermaine Dye, and the Orioles went on to win 5–3.[5]
Olson committed his first career error in his debut on July 4. After allowing the first batter he faced in his career, left fielderAndy González, to reach base via a walk, he made a throwing error on a pickoff attempt, allowing Gonzalez to reach second base. His first career strikeout came three batters later, as Paul Konerko was called out on a 2–2 pitch.
He compiled a 3.72ERA in 12 relief appearances covering 191⁄3 innings. In 11 starts, he is 3–5 with a 6.49ERA through August 10. Eventually, Olson was moved the bullpen to become a reliever. He stated that he felt comfortable in both roles.[13] Olson was again optioned to Triple-A Tacoma on August 20 to clear roster space for Infielder Bill Hall.[14]
On September 13, Olson was called up again to the Mariners, marking his third stint with the team in 2009. With Tacoma, Olson went 2–3 with a 4.94ERA and notched the Rainiers' only playoff win against the Sacramento River Cats.[3]
Pittsburgh Pirates
On March 18, 2011, the Mariners placed Olson on waivers. He was later claimed off waivers by the Pittsburgh Pirates.[15] He was designated for assignment on April 17.[16] He cleared waivers and was sent outright to Triple-A Indianapolis Indians on April 20. He became a free agent following the season on November 2.
New York Mets
On December 13, 2011, Olson signed a minor league contract with the New York Mets.[17] Olson began the year with Triple-A Buffalo.
On August 7, 2012, Olson was called up from Triple-A to replace the injured Tim Byrdak.[18] Olson made his Mets debut on August 8, pitching one third of an inning, giving up four earned runs against the Miami Marlins.[19] Olson was designated for assignment on August 11 to create room on the roster for Johan Santana.[20] He cleared waivers and was sent outright to Triple-A Buffalo Bisons on August 14. In October 2012, Olson elected minor league free agency.[21]
Oakland Athletics
On October 24, 2012, Olson signed with the Oakland Athletics.[22] He was released on March 16, 2013.
He currently resides in Carson City, Nevada with his wife and daughter. He majored in mechanical engineering in college and he works for Baker Hughes in Minden, Nevada as a mechanical engineer.
References
↑Aird, Donovan (August 9, 2009). "Major League Baseball Trio of Pitchers From Poly's 2005 Staff Pitched in Majors Last Week". The Tribune (San Luis Obispo, CA). pp.S1.
