Erik Bedard Returning to Mariners Friday

Erik Bedard is set to return for the Mariners this Friday when the lefty will take the mound for Seattle against the Rays.

Bedard has been out since the end of June with a sprained left knee.  His trip to the disabled list came as a bit of a surprise as two nights before the roster move Bedard made it through 7 innings of 4 hit ball against the Braves.

Before hitting the shelf, Bedard was seen as one of the Mariners best trade chips.  The lefty has posted an ERA and WHIP of 3.00 and 1.11 over his 15 starts for Seattle this season.

Bedard’s been excellent when on the mound, and many considered the 32 year old to be one of the few front of the rotation starters available this summer.

But the problem for Bedard has been remaining healthy.  Acquired by Seattle before the 2008 season, Bedard only started 30 games for the club from 2008-09.  Bedard was then forced to miss all of last year due to injury.

Still, teams continue to show interest in the left hander as the deadline approaches.  The Tigers and Red Sox have been linked to Bedard, and Friday could prove an important audition for other clubs around the league.  With what the Mariners gave up to obtain Bedard, I’m sure they would love to add a piece or two at his expense.

Rookie right hander Blake Beavan will likely be the roster casualty when Bedard is activated Friday.  Beavan was called up by the Mariners to replace Bedard in the rotation and the 22 year old has performed very well.  In his 4 starts for Seattle, Beavan maintained an ERA of 3.04 with a 1.05 WHIP over 26.2 innings.

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