Tyler Olson’s debut with Mariners swift, successful

SEATTLE – Tyler Olson’s major league debut for the Seattle Mariners was barely a cameo – but he handled it like a star.

One pitch, two outs.

The University High School and Gonzaga University graduate was called on in the ninth inning of the M’s 2-0 loss to the Los Angeles Angels on Tuesday night, relieving Yoervis Medina with one out and one runner on.

Olson threw an inside fastball that Erick Aybar slapped down to M’s third baseman Kyle Seager, and just that fast the Spokane lefthander was out of the inning with a double play.

“That’s the job I’m supposed to do,” Olson said. “I’m just glad it was a strike. I definitely had my kneecaps shaking a little bit, being out there the first time.”

Olson made the club after being a non-roster invitee to spring training with just two minor league seasons behind him. He allowed no earned runs in 10 spring appearances and is off to a perfect start in the regular season – though he said his outing was so quick it didn’t allow him to get rid of his debut butterflies.

“They’re still in there,” he said.

Manager Lloyd McClendon hadn’t intended on using Olson in such a situation – Aybar is a switch-hitter – but that he didn’t want to overuse Medina, who had thrown 19 pitches, and Olson needed work after having not pitched for six days.

“It turned out for the best,” McClendon said. “I wish I could say I planned that, but it worked out pretty good.”