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Geoff Baker covers the Mariners for The Seattle Times. He provides daily coverage of the team throughout spring training, and during the season.

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July 5, 2008 5:19 PM

Is Bedard healthy?

Posted by Tom Wyrwich

Manager Jim Riggleman isn't so sure. He surmises something might still be bothering Erik Bedard after Bedard went 99 pitches and five innings on Friday.

Riggleman had this to say before the game, when asked about what he or pitching coach Mel Stottlemyre could do to extend Bedard.

"I don't think he's really totally feeling right, with whatever was happening before -- hip, back and all that ... He may be pitching a lot more than he should.

"I don't think he's totally right yet. I might be wrong about that, but I do feel that he's given us everything he could give us."

Bedard hasn't pitched more than 100 pitches since May 28. That's also the last time he made it past the sixth. And the M's really could have used a longer start last night, because their bullpen has been doing an awful lot of work lately. Six relievers have combined to pitch 16 1/3 innings the past four games, and three times a pitcher has gone two or more innings.

At least they won't be a man short tonight. Yes, Miguel Batista is back.

"Batista is very much available and very likely to be in there tonight," Riggleman said.

Starting lineups

Detroit (43-43)

Curtis Granderson CF
Placido Polanco 2B
Carlos Guillen 3B
Miguel Cabrera 1B
Marcus Thames LF
Gary Sheffield DH
Matt Joyce RF
Edgar Renteria SS
Dan Sardinha C

Armando Gallaraga, RHP

Mariners (34-52)

Ichiro Suzuki RF
Jose Lopez 2B
Raul Ibanez LF
Jose Vidro DH
Adrian Beltre 3B
Jeremy Reed CF
Richie Sexson 1B
Jeff Clement C
Yuniesky Betancourt

R.A. Dickey, RHP

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