Today’s game
Opponent: New York Yankees
When: 1:10 p.m.
Where: Safeco Field
TV: FSN
Radio: ESPN 710 AM
Pitchers: Seattle right-hander Doug Fister (0-0, 0.00 earned run average) vs. right-hander Joba Chamberlain (8-2, 3.85)
Bedard: I just want to help the team
Erik Bedard met reporters Saturday, one day after surgery revealed a torn labrum, and he considered throwing out the first question himself. He didn’t, saying it wouldn’t be fit for TV.
Later, he told someone he’s thought about asking the media: Do you believe me now?
Bedard did say that all he can do now is spend the next four months rehabbing his way back into baseball shape and not worry about his next contract. He repeated what he said earlier this season, that he hoped to re-sign with the Mariners, although he also said there had been no talks between his agent and the team.
“No matter if it’s a contract year or not, I just want to get back and help the team,” Bedard said. “I can’t worry about next year right now. I’ve got to worry about getting better and getting my arm strong.”
Asked if this injury would make it more likely that he would re-sign with the Mariners, Bedard turned that into a question of his own.
“What do you think?” he asked. “Not a good question.”
Bedard did say he felt a sense of relief, despite learning that he had suffered what often is a devastating injury for a pitcher.
“At least we know now what was wrong and we’re just going to go through the process of rehab and see how it goes,” he said.
Bedard said he realized when he woke up from surgery and saw the brace on his arm that it was a significant injury.
“These are labrum braces,” he said. “I knew it wasn’t just a simple procedure.”
First-rounder Franklin, M’s agree to contract
The Mariners officially landed one of their two first-round draft picks Saturday when they announced that high school shortstop Nick Franklin had agreed to a contract.
Franklin, taken with the 27th overall pick, will get a $1.28 million signing bonus, according to Baseball America, above the $1.161 million recommended by the commissioner’s office.
The Mariners have signed 33 of their 52 draft picks although Dustin Ackley, selected with the second overall pick, remains unsigned. Scouting director Tom McNamara refused to comment on the state of negotiations between the team and Ackley, who is represented by agent Scott Boras.
“I think it will work its way out, however it works out,” McNamara said. “It’s our policy not to discuss negotiations with media.”
Teams have until 9 p.m. (PDT) Monday to sign their picks.
Franklin took infield and batting practice with the Mariners on Saturday afternoon and will be introduced to the media with his family at a news conference today. Scouting director Tom McNamara said Franklin would finish the season with the Mariners’ rookie-level team in Peoria, Ariz., and stay there for the instructional program which begins in September.
McNamara described Franklin as a confident player, and that came out briefly during an interlude between him and first baseman Russell Branyan in the clubhouse.
“Did we hook him? We did?” Branyan asked, trying to fluster the youngster. “Sorry to hear that. See you up here in eight years.”
Then, as Branyan turned to go outside, Franklin added, “Don’t want to show you up.”
Branyan did a double-take but continued toward the field.
Of note
Left fielder Michael Saunders was scratched from the lineup before Saturday’s game because of a jammed shoulder. The Mariners didn’t say whether it was an extensive injury or when it occurred. … Carlos Silva threw 35 pitches in the bullpen without problem, and probably will increase that number to 45 pitches in a couple of days. … Alex Rodriguez played his first game for the Yankees after missing the first two because of back spasms. Before his first at-bat Saturday, the crowd booed loudly and dollar bills fluttered from the upper deck.
Kirby Arnold, The Herald
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