Bedard Scratched From Saturday Start

Apparently, injuries to big-time starting pitchers come in threes. Friday, Jake Peavy went to the disabled list, Roy Halladay left with a groin injury and the Mariners announced Erik Bedard will miss his scheduled start Saturday. In his place, naturally, is the man who was a setup man ... then a closer ... then a starting pitcher ... then closer who will never start again ... then lost his closing duties ... and has now transitioned back to being a starting pitcher. That's right, ladies and gentlemen, it's Mr. Brandon Morrow!

Bedard, half of the Mariners' formidable 1-2 punch with Felix Hernandez, is 5-2 with a 2.47 ERA and 1.16 WHIP this season. He's also striking out nearly a batter per inning.

His injury is said to be shoulder inflammation, but very minor. In fact, manager Don Wakamatsu claims Bedard could start if it was really necessary, but the team is taking the precautionary avenue with their left-hander.

Morrow has 16 career saves, but the Mariners can't seem to keep him in one role for an extended period of time. In his five career starts, he's gone 2-2 with a 5.79 ERA and 1.46 WHIP. It's also unlikely he'll be able to work deep into the game. His longest outing this season came Tuesday, when he threw 2 1/3 innings. His highest workload this season was 52 pitches, which came in just two innings May 25 against the A's.

Needless to say, the Mariners need the bullpen to be ready Saturday and Bedard to be ready for his next turn.