Mariners get good news on Bedard's shoulder

By Tim Booth | The Associated Press • Published September 27, 2008

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SEATTLE – In a season of disappointment, the Seattle Mariners got some good news Friday when surgery on the left shoulder of pitcher Erik Bedard revealed no tears in the labrum or rotator cuff.

Mariners brass now must decide what this means for Bedard's future in Seattle.

Dr. Lewis Yocum removed a cyst from Bedard's pitching shoulder and performed minor cutting away of tissue on the labrum. Recovery time from that procedure typically is six months. A more precise timetable will be known when Bedard starts rehabilitation, but he could be fully recovered before the start of the 2009 season.

"The surgery report is very good news," Mariners interim general manager Lee Pelekoudas said in a statement. "There are no structural issues with the shoulder, which should allow for a positive timetable on Erik's full recovery."

There was concern the shoulder issues that kept Bedard on the disabled list since July 10 stemmed from a tear in either the rotator cuff or labrum. Bedard said last week he believed a tear was found after having an MRI exam on July 22, but the team reported no such diagnosis. Bedard also said the pain in his shoulder began in April and only worsened until his final start of the season on July 4.

"The trainers tell them every year if you've got anything going on come and tell us, and they never come and tell you until it's too late," Mariners interim manager Jim Riggleman said. "It's just a repetitive message that people are going to listen to or not listen to."

When Bedard is available to pitch again could help determine what Seattle does with him. Bedard was mostly a bust following his trade from Baltimore to Seattle, failing to become the frontline ace most believed the Mariners needed to contend with the Angels in the AL West.

Instead, Seattle will be the first team with a $100 million payroll and 100 losses.

Bedard was 6-4 this year with a 3.67 ERA. His major league record is 46-38 with a 3.81 ERA in five seasons. Bedard is under club control through the 2009 season and is arbitration eligible. Seattle could decline to tender Bedard a contract for next season, making him a free agent immediately.

The next move with Bedard is likely to be one of the first questions asked of any potential general manager candidates by team president Chuck Armstrong and chairman Howard Lincoln. Armstrong said Friday there is possibility of not tendering Bedard a contract.

"If you make a bad stock pick you don't hold on to it hoping that it's going to come back," Armstrong said. "You move on. We have that option."