SEATTLE — Erik Bedard might not be fully healthy, Mariners manager Jim Riggleman hinted before Seattle played Detroit on Saturday night.
Bedard, who was slowed earlier in the season by back and hip problems, has not thrown 100 pitches in a start in more than a month. On Friday he was pulled after five innings and 99 pitches, despite giving up just one run to Detroit.
“I know he doesn’t talk to (the media) all that much so he’s not going to make excuses, but I don’t think he’s totally feeling right with what was happening before with the hip and back,” Riggleman said.
“It could be that he is actually pitching a lot more than what is kind of perceived that he should be pitching. That’s the approach I’m taking.”
Bedard has not thrown more than 100 pitches since May 28, when he threw a season-high 110 against Boston. Last season with Baltimore, Bedard tossed more than 100 pitches in 21 of his starts.
Bedard didn’t speak to the media after Friday’s game and was not seen in the clubhouse before the game Saturday. Bedard is rumored to have been made available on the trade market as the trading deadline approaches later this month.
“I don’t think he’s coming out of games saying ‘I don’t want to pitch anymore,”’ Riggleman said. “I think he has given us everything he can give us. Maybe we should be appreciating what we’ve got there more than we have to this point.”
Bedard, acquired from Baltimore before the season in exchange for five players, was expected to be Seattle’s staff ace. Instead, the left-hander has been solid, but not spectacular, with a 6-4 record and 3.67 ERA in 18 starts.
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