George Sherrill

The Seattle Times’ Geoff Baker reports George Sherrill (elbow) is expected to undergo surgery in May and is likely out for the season.

Sherrill hasn’t pitched since the Mariners’ Opening Day series in Japan, but his injury woes date back to last season. The Mariners will go with Charlie Furbush and Lucas Luetke for left-handed relief in the short-term. An official timetable for Sherrill won’t be established until after the surgery.

George Sherrill had an MRI taken on his left elbow Saturday and is awaiting the results.

Sherrill and the Mariners should have some news to pass along in the next day or two. As of now, there is no definitive timetable for the lefty’s return to the M’s ‘pen.

Mariners placed LHP George Sherrill on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to April 10, with a strained flexor bundle in his left elbow.

It sounds like Sherrill’s elbow problems from late last year have crossed over to the start of the 2012 season. The 34-year-old southpaw has allowed four runs on six hits over his first 1 1/3 innings, so obviously something isn’t right. The timeline for his return isn’t yet known.

George Sherrill (elbow) will make his spring debut Monday.

A sore elbow has held him back thus far in camp. Hishashi Iwakuma will start Monday against the Padres, with Sherrill following him. “I’m eager to get in there and see how it holds up, facing somebody besides our own guys,” Sherrill said. “But at the same time, I need to be smart and make sure I’m hot and warm and not trying to throw a million mph.”

George Sherrill (elbow) threw his first bullpen session of the spring Tuesday in Mariners camp.

Sherrill should now be cleared to begin a normal throwing routine. He was brought along slowly this winter after coming down with elbow inflammation late last year.

George Sherrill will wait a few more days before throwing his first bullpen session.

The M’s are just being cautious in the early days of camp, as Sherrill won’t need many innings to get ready for the start of the season. The 34-year-old left-hander posted a 3.00 ERA and 38/12 K/BB ratio over 36 innings with the Braves last season, though he didn’t make a single appearance in September due to left elbow inflammation. Assuming he’s healthy, he should open the season as Seattle’s left-handed specialist.