Olsen has something to prove Sunday vs. Braves

Left-hander Scott Olsen is pitching against the Braves at Space Coast Stadium on Sunday afternoon and this could be his last chance to show that he belongs in the Nationals’ rotation.

Washington is looking to fill its last two spots and right-handers Livan Hernnadez and Craig Stammen are the leading candidates to be the fourth and fifth starters. Olsen, on the other hand, has given up 10 runs in 9 1/3 innings. Olsen, who coming off shoulder surgery, has showed the organization that his velocity is back in the low 90s. It’s just a matter of getting hitters out on a consistent basis.

“He is another guy who has made progress,” Manager Jim Riggleman said.  “… We don’t want to put everything on velocity, … but we have some tough choices to make, so we would like to see him get people out.”

If Olsen doesn’t make the rotation, the Nationals could option him to Triple-A Syracuse or release him.  

Riggleman said he hopes to name his starting rotation by Monday. Left-hander John Lannan will be Washington’s Opening Day starter followed by right-handers Jason Marquis and Garrett Mock.