Bedard MRI shows no shoulder damage
When it looked like the Mariners were headed down a here-we-go-again path with pitcher Erik Bedard, they got something different Friday: good news.
Results of the magnetic resonance imaging exam administered Thursday in Los Angeles showed no damage to Bedard’s sore left shoulder.
He won’t begin throwing again until Monday at the earliest because of the invasive nature of the MRI. Manager Don Wakamatsu said Bedard wouldn’t rejoin the rotation until the next road trip, probably in New York.
“The only thing they could find at all was slight bursitis,” Wakamatsu said.
It’s the most positive report the Mariners could have gotten on a pitcher they need if they hope to make a push in the American League West. Bedard is 5-2 with a 2.47 ERA.
Wakamatsu said Bedard’s current situation doesn’t appear to be related to the surgery last year.
Based on last year’s experience, however, Friday’s report doesn’t mean the Mariners are all-clear with Bedard.
An MRI last year, after Bedard had felt discomfort in the same shoulder, also showed no damage. He tried to work himself back but didn’t pitch the rest of the year and had exploratory surgery in September. Dr. Lewis Yocum, who examined Bedard on Thursday, removed a cyst and performed an overall cleanup of the shoulder in September.
Morrow to remain in rotation
Right-hander Brandon Morrow’s transition back to a starting pitcher will continue in the big leagues, Wakamatsu said. He’s scheduled to make his nest start Wednesday against the Padres and throw 85-90 pitches.
Morrow threw 74 pitches but lasted only four innings Thursday at San Diego.
“We’d like to be able to go in and get more innings so it doesn’t tax our bullpen,” Wakamatsu said. “Four innings is not going to really help that.”
The Mariners have taken an unconventional route in converting Morrow from reliever to starter by keeping him in the major leagues. Two years ago, they stretched him out in winter ball before deciding to make him a reliever again, and last summer they sent him to Class AAA Tacoma to conduct the conversion.
“I don’t know if there’s a better learning environment than pitching up here,” Wakamatsu said. “The fastest learning opportunity is here.”
Mariners claim Padres infielder
On a busy day of comings and goings, the Mariners claimed light-hitting infielder Josh Wilson from the Padres.
Wilson started the season with the Diamondbacks organization before they designated him for assignment May 13. The Padres claimed him off waivers two days later. In 27 big-league games this season with the two teams, he batted .156. He’s a career .219 hitter in 356 at-bats since 2005 with the Marlins, Nationals, Rays, Diamondbacks and Padres.
Wilson is expected to join the Mariners today, and they’ll have to move someone player off the 25-man roster.
Also Friday, catcher Rob Johnson returned from the bereavement list and catcher Guillermo Quiroz was designated for assignment. Johnson missed five games after the death of his mother-in-law in an auto accident. The Mariners have 10 days to trade, release or outright Quiroz’s contract to the minor leagues.
First baseman Russell Branyan returned to the team Friday after missing one game to attend his grandfather’s funeral.
The Mariners also are missing second baseman Jose Lopez, on the bereavement list to be with his seriously ill sister in Venezuela.
Of note
Wakamatsu said Ken Griffey Jr. didn’t play Friday in order to rest his legs after playing five games in the outfield on the recent road trip. Mike Sweeney was the DH. … Pitcher Shawn Kelley (oblique strain) will throw today, pitch a simulated game Tuesday, a bullpen Thursday and, if those go well, begin a minor league rehab assignment. … Wakamatsu said left-handed starter Ryan Rowland-Smith “is headed the right direction,” in his minor league rehab work but wouldn’t say when he’d be ready to rejoin the Mariners. … Kenji Johjima (broken toe) will catch five innings for Tacoma today and, barring setback, will DH for the Rainiers on Sunday. … Third-base coach Bruce Hines missed Friday’s game because of flu-like symptoms. Lee Tinsley moved from the first-base coach’s box to third base and bench coach Ty VanBurkleo coached first.
Kirby Arnold, Herald Writer
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