Eric Surkamp (elbow) is still shut down.

Surkamp suffered a flexor tendon strain in his throwing elbow at the end of spring training, then a setback in mid-May. He's looking doubtful to return before the All-Star break, and you'd have to think surgery will soon become a consideration.

Eric Surkamp has experienced a setback in his recovery from a strained left elbow tendon.

When asked Thursday whether Surkamp might need surgery Giants manager Bruce Bochy replied simply: "Obviously there's concern." The 24-year-old left-hander has been out of commission since the end of spring training and might not return this season.

Eric Surkamp (elbow) has been cleared to resume playing catch after a visit to the doctor Sunday.

It's good news, but it will likely still be at least 10-14 days before he can throw from a mound. The young left-hander will be part of Triple-A Fresno's rotation once he gets healthy but will be on call as the Giants' "sixth starter."

Giants placed LHP Eric Surkamp on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to March 26, with a strained flexor tendon.

The ailment isn't considered serious, but it's not clear how long he'll be out. Surkamp was slated to begin the season at Triple-A Fresno and will be optioned there once he's healthy.

Eric Surkamp underwent an MRI on Monday, which revealed a strained flexor tendon.

Surkamp has been dealing with inflammation in his elbow since throwing 90 pitches in a start last Wednesday. It's not considered serious at the moment and the young left-hander hopes to resume throwing in a week or so.

Eric Surkamp is awaiting MRI results on his left elbow.

Surkamp has been bothered by inflammation since throwing 90 pitches in a start last Wednesday. He's hoping some rest will do the trick, but we should know more about his status after the results are made available.

Eric Surkamp had a solid outing Wednesday against the Indians, holding them to two runs on four hits and two walks over five innings of work.

He punched out three batters. Surkamp was cruising along until the fourth, when he allowed a leadoff double to Carlos Santana and then a two-run bomb to Shelley Duncan. He then rebounded in the fifth with a scoreless frame. Surkamp holds a 4.41 ERA through four spring outings. He'll begin the season in the Triple-A rotation.

Eric Surkamp allowed just one run on four hits and one walk in four innings of Friday's 3-2 win over the Cubs.

He struck out four. His only blemish came in the second, where he served up a solo home run to Anthony Rizzo. Bidding for a spot in the Giants' rotation, Surkamp is now sporting a 4.76 ERA and 11/3 K/BB ratio through 11 1/3 innings of work.

Eric Surkamp could open the regular season with a spot in the Giants' starting rotation.

Ryan Voglesong suffered a back strain in February while lifting weights and has yet to make his Cactus League debut. If he's unable to fit in three spring starts between now and the first week of April, the Giants will turn to Surkamp for assistance in the early going. The 24-year-old left-hander posted a sparkling 1.94 ERA and 170/45 K/BB ratio in 148 1/3 innings last season between Single-A San Jose and Double-A Richmond.

Eric Surkamp was pulled after giving up six runs in two-thirds of an inning Saturday against the Diamondbacks.

Surkamp was never supposed to see the majors this season, but he did OK for four starts before tonight's shelling. He'll likely open next season in Triple-A after compiling a 2-1 record and a 5.32 ERA in his September audition.

Making his second straight start against the Padres, Eric Surkamp allowed three runs (two earned) on seven hits in 5 2/3 innings on Monday, improving to 2-0 in an 8-3 Giants victory.

The rookie lefty is now the owner of a 3.24 ERA, 1.38 WHIP and 6/5 K/BB ratio through his first 16 2/3 innings of work. You'll want to keep him benched on Saturday, where he'll be taking on the Rockies in Denver.

Eric Surkamp allowed three runs and five hits in five innings against the Padres on Tuesday.

He earned his first major league victory. Recalled earlier in the day from High-A San Jose, Surkamp struck out two and walked one. The 24-year-old left-hander allowed one run over six innings in his major league debut against the Astros on August 27 and was promptly sent down because an off-day allowed the Giants to skip their No. 5 starter. Surkamp should have value in NL-only leagues down the stretch.

Giants recalled LHP Eric Surkamp from High-A San Jose.

As expected, Surkamp will return to start Tuesday night against the Padres. The 24-year-old left-hander allowed one run over six innings in his major league debut against the Astros on August 27. He should have some value in NL-only leagues down the stretch.

Giants optioned LHP Eric Surkamp to High-A San Jose.

It's a temporary demotion, as the Giants have an off day Thursday that will allow them to skip their No. 5 starter. Surkamp will return to the rotation on September 6 to face the Padres. The young left-hander was terrific in his MLB debut Saturday, limiting the Astros to one run over six innings.