Scott

Olsen

The team’s medical staff has ordered the left-hander not to throw for at least three weeks, raising the possibility that his season could be over. Olsen was 1-1 with a 3.98 ERA in five games for the Marlins before being replaced on the roster by Ismael Valdez on July 22. He hasn’t pitched since, and after throwing at the minor-league complex, has been ordered to shut it down due to his elbow inflammation.

He gave up eight hits and two walks while striking out six. Olsen left in the seventh with one out and the bases loaded with the Marlins leading 3-1. However, reliever Taylor Tankersley gave up two walks and two hits to score six runs while recording just one out that inning. The outing easily could have resulted in Olsen’s 10th win, but he fell to 9-5 instead.

It’s quite a role that the Marlins, especially their starting pitchers, are on. The club has now won six games in a row. Olsen also struck out eight last time out and is 4-0 with a 1.95 ERA in his last four starts. It’d still be very risky to pick him up in mixed leagues, but he should have value in NL-only leagues all season long.

It was a 1-1 game when Olsen was removed for a pinch-hitter in the top of the eighth. The Marlins took the lead that inning after Mike Jacobs singled in Hanley Ramirez against Alan Embree. Embree had just been brought in the game to face the lefty after an excellent outing from Clay Hensley, who turned out to be the hard-luck loser. Olsen struck out eight and walked one while prevailing for a third straight start. It might be a good idea to bench him when he faces Toronto in his next start, but he’s worth owning in all NL-only leagues.

Olsen outpitched Matt Morris in the Marlins’ 5-1 victory. With just six walks surrendered in his last four starts, it looks like he might be ready to become a quality fantasy pitcher. He has very good stuff for a left-hander, so if he’s consistent with his command, he should emerge as the Marlins’ No. 2 starter. That said, it’s not a great idea to use him when he pitches in Coors Field this weekend.

Olsen gave up six hits and walked one while striking out three. The Marlins won the game 4-3 and Olsen got the win, but it easily could have gone the other way. Matt Holliday was called out at home by umpire Jeff Nelson for the first out in the seventh, but replays showed Holliday was actually safe. The Rockies scored only once in the inning and stranded a pair of runners, so Olsen should consider himself lucky. He’ll get the Padres at Petco Park next time out, so he’s worth using in NL-only formats.

Olsen struck out six and walked just one, but a pair of homers by Matt Murton and Michael Barrett combined with a couple of RBI singles in the second to do the damage. Olsen has a 22/5 K/BB ratio despite 15 runs allowed over his last three starts, so remain patient with him in NL-only leagues.

Not only did Olsen snap a three-game losing skid and rebound from his shortest start of the year, but by reaching double-digits in wins, he gives Florida a third rookie pitcher to do so this season. The Marlins are just the third team since 1900, and first since the 1952 Brooklyn Dodgers, to accomplish this feat. For the night, Olsen save up seven hits, three runs -- two earned -- and three walks while striking out seven.

Olsen walked four while giving up a single, double, triple, and homer in the abbreviated outing. He departed with runners on first and third with two outs, so that reliever Brian Moehler was able to retire Andruw Jones prevented an even worse outing. Olsen pitched poorly against the Diamondbacks last time out as well, but we wouldn’t bench him versus the Nationals next week.

The deal includes a major-league option for 2013. Olsen signed a one-year contract with the Pirates last offseason, but didn’t throw a pitch for the club due to ongoing shoulder issues and was granted his release in May. We’re not expecting things to suddenly turn around for him with Chicago.