Bedard getting set to pitch again

[tvz1997]

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=5312094

Erik Bedard is in Arizona to face hitters again, a final step before making his season debut for the Seattle Mariners next month.

The team says the veteran left-hander will start Monday night for the Mariners' rookie league team in a game at Surprise, Ariz.

The 31-year-old Bedard hasn't pitched since shoulder surgery in August.

Weren't we hearing All-Star Break from the beginning?

BTW - Is there any better place for Bedard to make his first comeback appearance that Surprise, Arizona?

[Frobby]

I'd love to see Erik make it back. He's fun to watch when he's got it going on.

[scOtt]

This is the reason I was strongly for signing Bedard over the winter. In Spring it seemed like we had plenty of starter depth, and even now it's not our worst problem. But how sweet would it be for us to have Bedard joining the rotation in a couple weeks?

[ShoelesJoe]

This is the reason I was strongly for signing Bedard over the winter. In Spring it seemed like we had plenty of starter depth, and even now it's not our worst problem. But how sweet would it be for us to have Bedard joining the rotation in a couple weeks?

It would be sweet while it lasted.

Million bucks says he's back on the DL by August.

[scOtt]

It would be sweet while it lasted.

Million bucks says he's back on the DL by August.

Well, that's why I still give AM a pass on him. The target date was always the All Star break but even that was little more than a guess. He seemed to prefer Seattle and it was probably too much risk to outbid them.

[orifan]

http://blog.seattlepi.com/baseball/archives/211973.asp

Mariners pitcher Erik Bedard made his first live pitching appearance in nearly a year on Monday and gave up one run over 2 2/3 innings in a Class-A rookie league appearance in Surprise, Ariz.

Pitching for the Mariners' team in their season opener in the Arizona League, Bedard allowed four hits and one run to the Texas Rangers' farm club.

He struck out three, didn't walk anyone and had one wild pitch while throwing 42 pitches to 12 batters.

Not bad for a first start. Hopefully he'll feel good tomorrow and start again on Saturday.

[RShack]

If I was coming back from a big injury and iffy surgery, and was hoping like hell I was fine, the very last place I'd wanna have my first start is in a town named "Surprise"...

[scOtt]

If I was coming back from a big injury and iffy surgery, and was hoping like hell I was fine, the very last place I'd wanna have my first start is in a town named "Surprise"...

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[orifan]

Update

Erik Bedard will throw a rookie league game in Arizona on Saturday, trying to reach 65-70 pitches and then likely head to Tacoma for a start next Thursday.

Yes, the lefty is closing in on rejoining the Seattle Mariners. On Monday in Arizona, he topped out at 93 mph, threw all his pitches - including that devastating curve - and most important, had no discomfort.

http://blog.thenewstribune.com/mariners/2010/06/23/bedard-headed-to-tacoma-a-lineup/

[Frobby]

I hope Bedard makes a full recovery but I would be extremely surprised if his stuff is close to what it was, especially this year.

If he's really throwing 93 mph, that is pretty encouraging for him. I'm rooting for the guy.

[Frobby]

Bedard may debut on July 6! http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=5324593

[Moose Milligan]

Hoping he makes it back all the way.

[orifan]

Bedard's second rehab start:

4.0 IP 3 H 1 R 1 ER 0 BB 8 K

http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?gid=2010_06_26_angrok_mrnrok_1&t=g_box&did=milb

[Boy Howdy]

Meanwhile, Bedard's old rotation mate, Daniel Cabrera, has resurfaced with the Double-A Arkansas Travelers. A save, 2.00 ERA and a .161 batting average against in his first half-dozen appearances. (Not to mention a handful of walks in nine innings)

http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=P&sid=milb&t=p_pbp&pid=425555

[Can_of_corn]

And the inevitable setback:

http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/cancel-the-return-party-erik-bedard-suffered-another-setback.php

He felt discomfort while throwing off flat ground and Geoff Baker of the Seattle Times reports that Bedard will be examined next week by the Mariners' team doctor, with an MRI exam and/or CATscan likely on the docket. In other words, Bedard might be back to square one.