The Seattle Mariners have signed oft-injured
left-hander Erik Bedard to a one-year contract with a mutual option for 2011.
Bedard was acquired by the Mariners from Baltimore prior to the 2008 season,
but injuries have limited him to just 15 starts in each of his two seasons
with the club.
Last year, Bedard was 5-3 with a 2.82 earned run average before his season was
cut short due to a torn labrum in his left shoulder, an injury that required
surgery in August. His 2008 campaign also ended prematurely because of a
shoulder issue and he probably won't be ready to pitch this year until at
least June.
"We think Erik is an important piece for us to add," said Mariners general
manager Jack Zduriencik. "We're confident he'll be ready to pitch major league
games this season. We've carefully monitored his recovery from surgery and his
rehabilitation process and are confident he'll be a contributor to our 2010
campaign. We are looking forward to him returning and being a part of this
organization as we move forward."
Bedard, who will turn 31 in March, is 51-41 lifetime with a 3.71 ERA in 144
games, all but three of which have been starts, for the Orioles and Mariners.
"My first choice was to return to Seattle, so I'm very happy to get this
done," Bedard said. "I like the moves the team made this winter, and I'm
looking forward to when I can get back on the mound and help them this year."
To make room on the 40-man roster, the Mariners designated pitcher Yusmeiro
Petit for assignment. He was acquired on waivers from Arizona last November.
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