Bedard Back in Shape for Mariners | IXGAMES

The Mariners welcomed Erik Bedard back in the game for the Mariners, although the speed is not quite what is expected.  However, this is much better compared to the rehabilitation he’s been through for a long period of seven months. First steps This left-hander known for his recurrent injuries joined the Seattle rotation again on the morning of Monday. He started his routine by getting into the stretch position, and tossing 20 pitches. The setting may seem all too simple, with Bedard situated in a side bullpen, isolated in a field far away from the majority of the other team members. Nonetheless how significant was this very first mound work for Bedard, since the last time in August he had to undergo a surgery to mend a labrum injury on his pitching shoulder? The six-minute pitching session by Bedard was watched by coaches and trainers including Jack Zdurienick, General Manager and Tony Blengino, special assistant. Don Wakamatsu, manager, and Rick Adair, pitching coach, as well as other coaches and trainers were all witness to the said session. Bedard even kidded about having completed all strikes, when the General Manager walked to the bullpen to meet up with him. In reply, the GM kidded Bedard back that he is actually in great shape to pitch for the team during this weekend, during its Albuquerque exhibition games, prior to next Monday’s opening event at Oakland. However, the prized possession of the team from Philadelphia, Cliff Lee, cannot participate in any serious throwing sessions until all health problems are addressed. The problem is his strained abdomen, which has proved to be a real problem in recent days. It is also very likely for Lee to start the season by being included in the disabled list. A less than ideal rotation led by Felix Hernandez includes the following: Ryan Rowland-Smith, Ian Snell, Jason Vargas, and Doug Fister. This is also leads to the assumption that Fister is doing fine, even after following his initiation in a minor-league game in the coming week. The previous year Fister was at Double A during this particular time. This was his very first game, ever since he took a break on March 19. During the game, Fister was not able to feel any problem and he is convinced he’ll back in good shape for regular rotation. As for Bedard however, any possible game action is not sighted for the immediate future. According to the Seattle Mariners he could pitch again, but no earlier than June. This current mound work is earlier than expected however. A one-year contract last month had already been resigned to him by Seattle, at $1.75 million. The short bullpen session took place after the Mariners were impressed with Bedard, especially after making smooth throws on the outfield at about 120 feet.