Garrett Olson

Olson attended Buchanan High School in Clovis, California. He played for the Anchorage Bucs in the Alaska Baseball League in 2004, going 7–0 with a 0.88 ERA, and was a Summer League First-Team All-American starting pitcher.

He attended Cal Poly-San Luis Obispo for college, where in his last year he was 12–4 with a 2.71 ERA.{{Cite news |last=Aird |first=Donovan |date=August 9, 2009 |title=Major League Baseball Trio of Pitchers From Poly's 2005 Staff Pitched in Majors Last Week |pages=S1 |work=The Tribune (San Luis Obispo, CA)}} In 2005 with the Mustangs, he was an All-Big West Conference First Team starting pitcher honors recipient.

Olson was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles as a sandwich pick between the first and second rounds (48th overall) of the 2005 MLB Draft.{{Cite web |title=1st Round of the 2005 MLB June Amateur Draft |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/draft/?year_ID=2005&draft_round=1&draft_type=junreg&query_type=year_round |access-date=March 17, 2022 |website=Baseball-Reference.com |language=en}} During the 2005 season, he played mostly with the Aberdeen IronBirds, moving to the Frederick Keys in August.{{Cite web |title=Garrett Olson Minor & Korean Leagues Statistics & History |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=olson-002gar |access-date=March 17, 2022 |website=Baseball-Reference.com |language=en}} In 2006, he advanced to the Double-A Bowie Baysox, and was named the Baltimore Orioles Minor League Player of the Year. Olson was invited to the All-Star Futures Game.File:AAAA2672_Garrett_Olson.jpg in {{Mlby|2008}}.]]

Through 2007, Olson was 21–17 with a 2.95 ERA, and averaged 7.37 hits and 8.82 strikeouts per nine innings during his minor league career. He was mentioned, but did not participate in the {{By|2007}} All-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 {{frac|4|1|3}} innings, falling two outs shy of the five innings required to qualify for a win.{{Cite web |date=July 4, 2007 |title=Orioles score four in third to rally past White Sox |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap/_/gameId/270704104 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241226182105/https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap/_/gameId/270704104 |url-status=dead |archive-date=December 26, 2024 |access-date=March 23, 2022 |website=ESPN |publisher=Associated Press |language=en}} He earned his first career win in his next start, also against the White Sox, on July 15, giving up two runs in {{frac|5|1|3}} innings, both on solo home runs by Jermaine Dye, and the Orioles went on to win 5–3.{{Cite web |date=July 15, 2007 |title=Dye's two homers not enough for ChiSox to beat O's |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap/_/gameId/270715101 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241226183549/https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap/_/gameId/270715101 |url-status=dead |archive-date=December 26, 2024 |access-date=March 23, 2022 |website=ESPN |publisher=Associated Press |language=en}}

Olson committed his first career error in his debut on July 4. After allowing the first batter he faced in his career, left fielder Andy 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.

On September 1, 2007, Olson made a start at Fenway Park against the Boston Red Sox, where he was the opposing pitcher in Clay Buchholz's no-hitter.{{Cite web |last=Fordin |first=Spencer |date=September 2, 2007 |title=Orioles go down hitless against Sox |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/gameday_recap.jsp?ymd=20070901&content_id=2183881&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=bal |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080328134616/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/gameday_recap.jsp?ymd=20070901&content_id=2183881&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=bal |archive-date=March 28, 2008 |access-date=March 23, 2022 |website=Baltimore Orioles |publisher=MLB.com}} On June 28, 2008, Olson earned his first career hit vs. the Washington Nationals against Jesús Colomé in the sixth inning.{{Cite web |date=June 28, 2008 |title=Orioles storm Nationals, disappoint record crowd |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=280628120 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220326190808/https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=280628120 |url-status=dead |archive-date=March 26, 2022 |access-date=March 23, 2022 |website=ESPN |publisher=Associated Press |language=en}}

He went to 3–0 on 8% of all batters he faced in 2008, the highest percentage in the majors.{{cite web |title=2008 Major League Baseball Pitching Pitches |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/MLB/2008-pitches-pitching.shtml |access-date=April 8, 2010 |website=Baseball-Reference.com |publisher=Sports Reference}}

File:Garrett_Olson_on_August_7,_2010.jpg in {{Mlby|2010}}.]]

On January 18, {{By|2009}}, Olson was traded to the Chicago Cubs with a minor-leaguer for Félix Pie.{{cite web |author=Muskat |first=Carrie |date=January 18, 2009 |title=Cubs deal Pie to O's for lefty Olson |url=http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090118&content_id=3748895&vkey=news_chc&fext=.jsp&c_id=chc |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090121235744/http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090118&content_id=3748895&vkey=news_chc&fext=.jsp&c_id=chc |archive-date=January 21, 2009 |access-date=April 8, 2010 |website=Chicago Cubs |publisher=MLB.com}} Just 10 days later, he was traded along with Ronny Cedeño to the Seattle Mariners for Aaron Heilman.{{cite web |date=January 28, 2009 |title=Mariners Acquire LHP Garrett Olson, INF Ronny Cedeno From Cubs |url=http://seattle.mariners.mlb.com/news/press_releases/press_release.jsp?ymd=20090128&content_id=3778418&vkey=pr_sea&fext=.jsp&c_id=sea |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110617071111/http://seattle.mariners.mlb.com/news/press_releases/press_release.jsp?ymd=20090128&content_id=3778418&vkey=pr_sea&fext=.jsp&c_id=sea |archive-date=June 17, 2011 |access-date=April 8, 2010 |website=Seattle Mariners |publisher=MLB.com}} On April 1, 2009, Olson was optioned to Triple-A Tacoma to begin the season.{{Cite web |last=LaRue |first=Larry |date=April 1, 2009 |title=The final roster won't include Olson, Jimenez or Phillips |url=http://blogs.thenewstribune.com/mariners/2009/04/01/the_final_roster_won_t_include_olson_jim |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090403021225/http://blogs.thenewstribune.com/mariners/2009/04/01/the_final_roster_won_t_include_olson_jim |archive-date=April 3, 2009 |access-date=April 3, 2009 |website=The News Tribune}} He was called up on May 6 because of an injury to relief pitcher Shawn Kelley. Olson soon took the rotation spot from teammate Chris Jakubauskas.{{Cite web |last=Dodd |first=Rustin |date=May 6, 2009 |title=Mariners' Kelley out at least a month |url=http://seattle.mariners.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090506&content_id=4588378&vkey=news_sea&fext=.jsp&c_id=sea |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090508153407/http://seattle.mariners.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090506&content_id=4588378&vkey=news_sea&fext=.jsp&c_id=sea |archive-date=May 8, 2009 |access-date=May 8, 2009 |website=Seattle Mariners |publisher=MLB.com}}

He compiled a 3.72 ERA in 12 relief appearances covering 19{{fraction|1|3}} innings. In 11 starts, he is 3–5 with a 6.49 ERA through August 10. Eventually, Olson was moved the bullpen to become a reliever. He stated that he felt comfortable in both roles.{{Cite web |last=Street |first=Jim |date=August 10, 2009 |title=Olson back in 'pen trying to get on track |url=http://seattle.mariners.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090810&content_id=6356326&vkey=news_sea&fext=.jsp&c_id=sea |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110617073635/http://seattle.mariners.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090810&content_id=6356326&vkey=news_sea&fext=.jsp&c_id=sea |archive-date=June 17, 2011 |access-date=June 17, 2011 |website=Seattle Mariners |publisher=MLB.com}} Olson was again optioned to Triple-A Tacoma on August 20 to clear roster space for Infielder Bill Hall.{{Cite web |last=Street |first=Jim |date=August 20, 2009 |title=Olson optioned to Triple-A Tacoma |url=http://seattle.mariners.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090820&content_id=6515776&vkey=news_sea&fext=.jsp&c_id=sea |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090821204826/http://seattle.mariners.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090820&content_id=6515776&vkey=news_sea&fext=.jsp&c_id=sea |archive-date=August 21, 2009 |access-date=August 21, 2009 |website=Seattle Mariners |publisher=MLB.com}}

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 4.94 ERA and notched the Rainiers' only playoff win against the Sacramento River Cats.

On March 18, 2011, the Mariners placed Olson on waivers. He was later claimed off waivers by the Pittsburgh Pirates.{{Cite web |last=Gleeman |first=Aaron |date=March 18, 2011 |title=Pirates claim Garrett Olson off waivers from Mariners |url=https://mlb.nbcsports.com/2011/03/18/pirates-claim-garrett-olson-off-waivers-from-mariners/ |access-date=March 18, 2011 |website=NBC Sports |language=en-US}} He was designated for assignment on April 17.{{Cite web |date=April 17, 2011 |title=LHP Beimel rejoins Pittsburgh Pirates |url=http://www.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/nl/2011-04-15-304890831_x.htm |access-date=April 18, 2011 |website=USA Today |publisher=Associated Press |language=en}} 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.

On December 13, 2011, Olson signed a minor league contract with the New York Mets.{{cite news |last=Rubin |first=Adam |date=December 12, 2011 |title=Mets claim Hefner, sign 2 |work=ESPN |url=https://proxy.espn.com/blog/new-york/mets/post/_/id/37148/mets-claim-hefner-sign-2 |access-date=December 12, 2011}} 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.{{Cite web |date=August 7, 2012 |title=Mets recall LHP Olson |url=https://www.firstcoastnews.com/article/sports/mlb/mets-recall-lhp-olson/77-362889493 |access-date=March 26, 2022 |website=First Coast News |language=en-US}} Olson made his Mets debut on August 8, pitching one third of an inning, giving up four earned runs against the Miami Marlins.{{Cite web |date=August 8, 2012 |title=Miami Marlins at New York Mets Box Score, August 8, 2012 |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/NYN/NYN201208080.shtml |access-date=March 26, 2022 |website=Baseball-Reference.com |language=en}} Olson was designated for assignment on August 11 to create room on the roster for Johan Santana.{{Cite web |date=August 11, 2012 |title=Mets cut LHP Olson to open roster spot for Santana |url=http://www.thescore.com/home/articles/318542-mets-cut-lhp-olson-to-open-roster-spot-for-santana |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130204094201/http://www.thescore.com/home/articles/318542-mets-cut-lhp-olson-to-open-roster-spot-for-santana |archive-date=February 4, 2013 |access-date=February 4, 2013 |website=theScore |publisher=Associated Press}} He cleared waivers and was sent outright to Triple-A Buffalo Bisons on August 14. In October 2012, Olson elected minor league free agency.{{cite web |last=Axisa |first=Mike |date=October 6, 2012 |title=Minor Moves: 28 Players Elect Free Agency |url=http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2012/10/minor-moves-28-players-elect-free-agency.html |access-date=October 6, 2012 |website=MLB Trade Rumors}}

On October 24, 2012, Olson signed with the Oakland Athletics.{{Cite web |last=Adams |first=Luke |date=December 4, 2012 |title=A's Notes: Shortstops, Escobar, Minor Deals |url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2012/12/as-notes-shortstops-escobar-minor-deals.html |access-date=March 26, 2022 |website=MLB Trade Rumors |language=en-US}} He was released on March 16, 2013.

On March 19, 2013, Olson signed with the Doosan Bears in the Korea Baseball Organization.{{cite web |date=March 16, 2013 |title=A's Release LHP Garrett Olson |url=http://oakland.athletics.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130316&content_id=42848366&vkey=pr_oak&c_id=oak |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131213132806/http://oakland.athletics.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130316&content_id=42848366&vkey=pr_oak&c_id=oak |archive-date=December 13, 2013 |access-date=December 13, 2013 |website=Oakland Athletics |publisher=MLB.com}} He was released from Doosan in July 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.

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{{2005 MLB Draft}}

{{Baltimore Orioles first-round draft picks}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Olson, Garrett}}

Category:1983 births

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Category:Baltimore Orioles players

Category:Seattle Mariners players

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Category:Cal Poly Mustangs baseball players

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