The Pirates have claimed lefty pitcher Garrett Olson off waivers from the Seattle Mariners.
↵↵↵Olson had been in a deep competition for a left-handed role in the Mariners' bullpen this spring, but he had been outpitched early. In five Cactus League innings, Olson gave up seven hits and walked four.
↵Because Olson is out of options, the Mariners had to place the 27-year-old on waivers once they determined he would not make the Opening Day roster. His roster status means the Pirates would have to do the same if Olson doesn't win a spot in their bullpen by the end of Spring Training.
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Olson has some chance of being successful out of the bullpen, but the real issue here might be that the two main candidates to be lefty relievers, Joe Beimel and Scott Olsen, have struggled with injuries and performance this spring. Scott Olsen hasn't looked sharp at all in limited opportunities thus far. It would be somewhat amusing if both Olson and Olsen made the team, so that Pirates manager Clint Hurdle would have to choose between one of the "Olsen twins" when he wanted a lefty reliever, but I wouldn't bet on that happening.