Originally published Monday, February 8, 2010 at 6:23 PM

Mariners' Cliff Lee out about 3 weeks after minor foot surgery

New Mariners pitcher Cliff Lee had surgery last week to remove a bone spur that had broken loose in his foot, but is expected to be ready for the start of the season. Pitchers and catchers report for spring training on Feb. 18.

By Larry Stone

Seattle Times staff reporter

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Cliff Lee said foot hadn't bothered him until recently.

With pitchers and catchers opening camp in nine days, the Mariners revealed that newly acquired left-hander Cliff Lee underwent foot surgery last week.

However, general manager Jack Zduriencik said Monday he does not believe the operation will hamper Lee's preparation for the 2010 season. The former Cy Young Award winner is expected to combine with Felix Hernandez to give the Mariners a potent one-two punch atop their rotation.

The procedure, performed last Friday in Little Rock, Ark., by Dr. Bryan Burke, was to remove a floating spur in Lee's left foot that recently broke loose.

The Mariners said in a release that the surgery will alleviate irritation and discomfort in the foot and surrounding tissues. Lee will not require a cast. In fact, Zduriencik said he talked to Lee on Monday, and all he had on the foot was an Ace bandage.

"It was a surface type of injury, Zduriencik said. "He could have elected not to have surgery. The only thing that would have happened, if that was the case, he could have gone through a series of cortisone shots through the course of the year. But quite frankly, he should be ready to go in about three weeks. He said he feels good."

Why was surgery done now, so close to spring training? Zduriencik said Lee told him it was something that really hadn't bothered him until last week.

"As minor as it was, it didn't make any sense to have any semblance of it linger on," Zduriencik said. "In the middle of the season, missing three weeks is a heck of a lot different than missing three weeks now."

Lee and his Arkansas doctor consulted with Mariners team physician Edward Khalfayan before undergoing the operation.

"Cliff said he had a little irritation off and on, here and there, but the other day, it was feeling like it really bothered him," Zduriencik said. "He doesn't even know how it all ignited. We felt it was best to get it out of the way. It's not anything that anyone is alarmed about."

Lee, 31, was acquired from Philadelphia on Dec. 16 in a trade that sent minor-leaguers Phillippe Aumont, Tyson Gillies and J.C. Ramirez to the Phillies.

Larry Stone: 206-464-3146 or lstone@seattletimes.com

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