Mariners Millwood, Olivo, Perez, Sherrill become free agents

SEATTLE, Wash. -- Seattle Mariners Executive Vice President & General Manager of Baseball Operations Jack Zduriencik announced the following roster moves today:

• Kevin Millwood , RHP, became a free agent under article XX(B).
• Miguel Olivo , C, became a free agent under article XX(B).
• Oliver Perez , LHP, became a free agent under article XX(B).
• George Sherrill , LHP, activated from 60-day disabled list and became a free agent under article XX(B).

With these transactions, the Mariners 40-man roster is now at 35 players (see attached updated 40-man roster). Under article XX(B) of the Major League Baseball Basic Agreement, all eligible Major League players became free agents at 6 a.m. today (first day at conclusion of the World Series).

Millwood , 37, went 6-12 with one shutout and a 4.25 ERA in 28 starts. The 16-year Major League veteran made his last start of the season Sept. 12 at Toronto, and did not pitch the rest of the season with right shoulder soreness. He ranked T4th in the AL with 10 no-decisions and had the 4th-lowest run support average by an AL starter (3.75 RSA).

Olivo , 34, appeared in 87 games in 2012, starting a team-high 68 games at catcher. He hit .222 (70x315) with 12 home runs and 29 RBI, his seventh consecutive season with double-digits in home runs. Behind the plate he ranked tied for 4th in the American League with 19 caught stealing.

Perez , 31, posted a 2.12 ERA (7 ER, 29.2 IP) in 33 appearances. After spending most of his career as a starting pitcher, Perez made the conversion to the bullpen where he posted the 9th-best ERA by an AL reliever (min. 30 G).

Sherrill , 35, spent nearly the entire 2012 season on the disabled list with a left elbow injury. He made two appearances (0-0, 27.00 ERA) before going on the disabled list April 13 (retro to 4/10). He had season-ending Tommy John surgery on his left elbow on May 4.