M’s notebook: Rookie pitcher Olson settling in

SEATTLE — Rookie pitcher Tyler Olson says he has slowly grown accustomed to the bright lights, the big crowds — and the jolt of anxiety playing in the major leagues for the Seattle Mariners.

And manager Lloyd McClendon has not hesitated going to the left-handed reliever from Spokane a lot in the early going. Olson has five appearances already in the M’s nine games — and has yet to give up a run in four-plus innings.

His last showing came Wednesday night in mop-up duty for Taijuan Walker, who lasted just four innings against the Los Angeles Dodgers in a 5-2 loss.

Olson threw a career-high two innings of scoreless relief.

“It’s only been a few outings, but I feel a lot more comfortable and established to where I can go out and pitch rather than worrying about throwing strikes,” Olson said.

Olson was the 2013 West Coast Conference pitcher of the year for Gonzaga University — the same year he was selected in the seventh round of the first-year player draft by the Mariners.

Last season, he led the organization’s minor league system in wins (12), strikeouts (127) and innings pitched (148.1), and was named Double-A Jackson’s pitcher of the year after becoming the team’s first 10-game winner since 2006.

But in spring training, Olson transitioned into becoming a reliever. He held left-handed hitters to a .206 batting average the previous season.

In 10 relief outings, Olson did not give up an earned run. He struck out 15, and walked no batters.

Not even on the 40-man roster at the outset of spring, he earned a spot in the Mariners’ bullpen.

His appearances have not been all smooth. He has given up seven hits and five walks (four intentional).

“Having pre-game jitters and butterflies when you get out there, you are kind of just praying for strikes just because you have so much adrenaline running,” the former Everett Aquasox pitcher said. “Now, I feel like I am pitching. I am focusing more on hitting spots and locating rather than just getting it over the plate because I am so nervous.”

And because the M’s are back for a weekend homestand, Olson’s parents and fiancée will be in Seattle for the next three games.

“It has been crazy,” he said.

No worry

McClendon wants people to calm down over the M’s early slow start.

“To think it is going to be a fairy-tale season, and everything is going to be fine, and you are not going to have three- and four-game losing streaks — c’mon, that is ridiculous,” McClendon said. “And to think that the world is coming to an end when you are 3-6 — that is also ridiculous.

“This team is fine. This is a real good team. … We will win our share of games.”

Rodney ready

The last time Seattle closer Fernando Rodney allowed two or more runs in back-to-back appearances was in 2013 when he closed games for the Tampa Bay Rays.

Rodney gave up four runs in a non-save situation Sunday at Oakland, then saw his run of 23 consecutive saves come to an end Tuesday when he gave two runs in the ninth inning in a 6-5 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers.

“When I blow the game, I say, ‘I am better than that,’” Rodney said. “Tomorrow I know I will do my job.”

Short hops

McClendon said reliever Tom Wilhelmsen (hyperextended right elbow) is still a few days away from playing catch. He was placed on the disabled list earlier this week. … Heading into the game Friday, Seattle third baseman Kyle Seager had a .331 career batting average against the Rangers — second-best among active players behind Detroit’s Miguel Cabrera (.379). … The Mariners were the only team in the majors to start the season against three 2014 playoff teams — Anaheim, Oakland and the Los Angeles Dodgers. … Before their game Friday, the M’s were 0-6 in night games — and 3-0 during the day. … Texas is 16-13-2 in its past 31 series at Safeco Field. The Rangers started out 0-11-2.

On tap

RHP Felix Hernandez (1-0, 3.00 ERA) will make his third start of the season for Seattle in the middle game of this three-game series. He will be opposed by RHP Colby Lewis (1-0, 3.38 ERA). King Felix was 0-1 against the Rangers last season, but had a 2.11 ERA in 21-plus innings. First pitch is at 6:10 p.m.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Arlington’s Leyton Martin (2) poses for a photo at Arlington High School on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Arlington, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Boys Basketball Player of the Year: Leyton Martin

Arlington’s do-it-all junior point guard led the Eagles to a district title and second straight Hardwood Classic.

X
Prep roundup for Thursday, March 28

Prep roundup for Thursday, March 28: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Left to right, Mountlake Terrace’s Zaveon Jones, Glacier Peak’s Jo Lee, Everett’s Isaiah White, Arlington’s Leyton Martin, Jackson’s Ryan McFerran, and Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel pose for a photo at Arlington High School on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Arlington, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area boys basketball teams

A look at the top prep boys basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Silvertips’ Andrew Petruk (26) fights for the puck during a game between the Everett Silvertips and the Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Breaking down the Silvertips’ 1st-round playoff series vs. the Giants

Everett is searching for a revenge after a shocking playoff exit against Vancouver two years ago.

Left to right, Arlington’s Samara Morrow, Kamiak’s Bella Hasan, Everett’s Alana Washington, Lake Steven’s Nisa Ellis, Lynnwood’s Aniya Hooker, and Meadowdale’s Gia Powell, pose for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area girls basketball teams

A look at the top prep girls basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Everett’s Alana Washington poses for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Girls Basketball Player of the Year: Alana Washington

The Everett senior upped her game in the postseason to help the Seagulls overcome injuries and claim their first state trophy in 41 years.

Silvertips players celebrate during a game between the Everett Silvertips and Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024. The Silvertips won, 5-3. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Silvertips land No. 1 pick, chance to draft generational talent

Landon DuPont is the consensus top pick in next WHL prospects draft. Everett chief operating officer Zoran Rajcic said the team intends to select him.

Dennis Williams, head coach and GM of the Everett Silvertips, shakes hands with an assistant coach at the end of a season opening victory over the Vancouver Giants on Saturday, Sep. 24, 2022, at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Coach, GM Williams leaving Silvertips for Bowling Green State

After seven successful season leading Everett, Dennis Williams is heading back to his alma mater. He’ll stay with the Tips through the WHL playoffs.

Stanwood High School student athletes during their signing day ceremony. (Courtesy of Stanwood High School)
Local class of 2024 athletes who have signed to play in college

A running list of 2024 high school athletes who are set to compete at the next level.

Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel talks with head coach Nalin Sood during the 3A boys state basketball game against Todd Beamer on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024 in Tacoma, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘It was just time’: Mountlake Terrace basketball coach Sood steps down

Nalin Sood guided his alma mater to 381 wins and 15 state berths in 24 seasons as head coach. He spent over four decades with the program.

University of Washington's new men's basketball coach Danny Sprinkle meets the news media, Wednesday, March 27, 2024 in Seattle. (Ken Lambert/The Seattle Times via AP)
Taking over at Washington personal for men’s basketball coach Sprinkle

Danny Sprinkle spoke about his connection to the school during his introductory press conference Wednesday.

X
Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26

Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.