M's NOTEBOOK: All systems go for Bedard

Given Erik Bedard's history with the Mariners, his return from the disabled list won't be certain until he takes the mound tonight against the Orioles. There was nothing Monday to indicate Bedard will give the Mariners anything less than the 75-80 pitches they expect in his first game since June 7.

Manager Don Wakamatsu said Bedard has felt good since throwing impressively in a 54-pitch simulated game Saturday in Boston.

"That's probably as good as I've seen him," Wakamatsu said. "The effort level was very minimal, the ball came out of his hand well … and he had no ill effects. All the signs are looking good."

It hasn't always been that way for Bedard. He missed most of the final three months last season because of a shoulder problem that eventually required surgery after a few false hopes that he'd be able to pitch.

Bedard went 5-2 with a 2.47 ERA in 11 starts this season before the shoulder became tender again. An MRI last month didn't show any damage, but the procedure slowed his return to the mound longer than the club had envisioned.

The Mariners must send a player to the minors to make room for Bedard on the roster, and the victim is likely to be left-hander Garrett Olson. Because of the All-Star break next week and a day off July 20, the Mariners can operate with four starters until late this month.

"We really don't need a fifth starter until the 25th," Wakamatsu said. "We'll talk about it a little more, but right now we're still undecided."

Rest for Ichiro

Look for Ichiro Suzuki to DH, not get a complete day off, during this last homestand before the All-Star break.

Wakamatsu saw signs of fatigue from Suzuki during the nine-game road trip. Notably, Suzuki entered Monday's game having gone 3-for-15 in his previous three games, dragging down his major league-best average from .370 to .362.

"I know this trip been awfully hard," Wakamatsu said. "You see little signs where he's tired. We're going to try to get him at least one day at DH."

As usual, the All-Star break won't give Suzuki much chance to rest.

He'll fly to St. Louis after Sunday's game, take part in interviews and the All-Star workout on Monday, play in the game Tuesday and join the Mariners next Thursday in Cleveland.

And, as usual, there are suggestions that Suzuki should take part in the home run derby Monday. Suzuki isn't talking about the All-Star Game, but Wakamatsu wouldn't mind if he took part in the home run derby.

"He does that every day in batting practice," Wakamatsu said. "You watch his swing in BP, he's just trying to loosen his body up and get some extension and he hits a lot of home runs in BP. I don't think that would affect him at all."

Of note

Shortstop Yuniesky Betancourt tested his strained right hamstring with some short-burst running Monday for trainer Rick Griffin, and he'll take batting practice and field grounders today. If that goes well, Betancourt will begin a minor league rehab assignment and probably be activated after the All-Star break. … DH Mike Sweeney is day-to-day with back spasms that caused him to leave Sunday's game. … Left fielder Endy Chavez will have surgery Thursday to repair the major ligament damage to his left knee, injured June 19 in a collision with Betancourt. Chavez will need 9-12 months to recover. … Third baseman Adrian Beltre will be examined July 10 by Dr. Lewis Yocum in Los Angeles as he recovers from surgery to remove a bone spur from his left shoulder. If that checkup goes well, Beltre will begin therapy on an injury that may keep him out until September. … The Orioles called up pitcher Kam Mickolio, who began his pro career in 2006 with the Everett AquaSox before becoming part of the February, 2008, trade for Erik Bedard.