Jack Zduriencik, Seattle Mariners Executive Vice President & General Manager of Baseball Operations, announced this afternoon that the Mariners have signed free-agent left-handed pitcher George Sherrill to a one year deal. Sherrill, 34, will contribute as left-handed help in the bullpen for the Mariners after posting a 3-1 record with a 3.00 ERA in 31 appearances for the Atlanta Braves last season. He struck out 38 and walked 12.
His obvious role is to deal with opposing left hand hitters - in his appearances last season, he struck out 32 and only walked one against lefties, and has held them to a .180 batting average with a .515 OPS in 550 career at-bats.
Sherrill began his big-league career with the Mariners in 2004, and has since spent time with the Orioles, Braves, and Dogders. He was an All-Star as Baltimore's closer in 2008. Jack Z had this to say on the signing:
"It's nice to bring a guy back home, as it were, but more than anything, he fit what we were looking for. He's a veteran guy who can get left-handers out. He's excited about his return, but this is more about what he can help us do with winning games. He's a veteran who is well thought of as person and competitor."
With the signing, the Mariners 40-man roster is now at 38 players.