SEATTLE (AP) — Erik Bedard is in Arizona to face hitters again, a final step before making his season debut for the Seattle Mariners next month.
The team says the veteran left-hander will start Monday night for the Mariners’ rookie league team in a game at Surprise, Ariz.
The 31-year-old Bedard hasn’t pitched since shoulder surgery in August.
Mariners manager Don Wakamatsu says Bedard should throw about three innings or up to 50 pitches. Baltimore’s former ace is also scheduled to pitch Saturday for the Peoria team in the Arizona Rookie League.
Wakamatsu says Bedard will probably need at least one more start in the higher minors before making his Mariners season debut. That would likely be with Triple-A Tacoma late this month.
