Mariners' Bedard scratched; King Felix could return soon

By Sports Network | The Sports Network • Published July 06, 2008

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Seattle Mariners pitcher Erik Bedard has been scratched from his next start on Wednesday against the Oakland Athletics with tightness in his throwing shoulder.

The lefty has suffered through hip and back problems this season and has compiled a 6-4 record with a 3.67 earned run average, with 72 strikeouts in 81 innings of work.

Bedard felt tightness in the shoulder during his five-inning start Friday, a 4-1 victory over the Detroit Tigers.

Miguel Batista may get the start in place of Bedard. The right-hander is 4-10 in 21 appearances -- 14 starts -- with a whopping 6.35 ERA. R.A. Dickey, who is 2-4 with a 4.36 ERA in 14 games -- six starts -- is also an option for Seattle.

The Mariners did get some good news on Sunday, however, as pitcher Felix Hernandez threw in a bullpen session prior to Sunday's 2-1, 15-inning loss to the Tigers, and could return to the rotation as early as Thursday against Oakland.

Hernandez has been sidelined since spraining his ankle in a home-plate collision on June 23 against the New York Mets. The 22-year old is 6-5 with a 2.83 ERA and 93 strikeouts in 108 innings this season.