Originally published Monday, August 3, 2009 at 12:00 AM

Mariner notebook: Erik Bedard could be ready to pitch Sunday

The left-hander felt OK after playing catch, and will throw a bullpen session Tuesday to test his injured shoulder.

Seattle Times staff reporter

ARLINGTON, Texas — Oft-injured left-hander Erik Bedard had an extended catch session Sunday and felt well enough afterward to throw a bullpen session Tuesday.

If that goes well, the Mariners hope to have Bedard ready to pitch in a game by next Sunday, when he's eligible to come off the disabled list.

The team was going to have Bedard get another MRI on his shoulder if he hadn't felt good after Sunday's session.

Manager Don Wakamatsu said he's ruled out using Bedard out of the bullpen.

"I think his value is as a starting pitcher," Wakamatsu said.

Gutierrez given a rest

Center fielder Franklin Gutierrez got the night off against the Rangers.

Wakamatsu believes the challenge of becoming full-time players might be starting to wear on Gutierrez and first baseman Russell Branyan, who have been part-time players until coming to Seattle this season.

When third baseman Adrian Beltre returns from the DL Tuesday in Kansas City, Branyan might be bumped down in the batting order. Shortstop Jack Wilson could slide to the No. 2 spot, with Beltre batting third and Branyan in the cleanup or No. 5 hole.

Beltre, out since June 29 and recovering from left elbow surgery, has looked sharp in batting practice, Wakamatsu said.

Notes

• Ten minutes before the game's first pitch, the Rangers announced that 2B Ian Kinsler had been put on the DL with a strained hamstring.

• Kansas City plans to bring up RHP Kyle Davis from AAA Omaha to start Wednesday against the Mariners. RHP Sidney Ponson (1-7, 7.36 ERA), who had been scheduled for that start, was designated for assignment.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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