The Chicago White Sox have signed left-handed pitcher Scott Olsen to a minor league contract, according to Jerry Crasnick of ESPN. The deal includes a big league club option for the 2013 season, so Chicago could potentially retain his services if he proves to be effective.
Olsen, 28, missed the entire 2011 season after being released in May by the Pittsburgh Pirates due to shoulder issues. He last pitched in the majors with the Washington Nationals in 2010, posting a 5.56 ERA over 17 appearances (including 15 starts). From 2006 to 2008, Olsen made at least 31 starts per season for the Florida Marlins. He posted a 4.65 ERA over that three-year span.
In Chicago, Olsen is presumably just some additional depth for the rotation. The current White Sox rotation includes John Danks, Gavin Floyd, Jake Peavy, Phil Humber and Chris Sale, but there could potentially be an opening if a Floyd trade is ever completed.
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