Batista suffers groin strain

Apr 26, 2008 - 5:09 PM SEATTLE (Ticker) -- Righthander Miguel Batista became the latest Seattle Mariners pitcher to suffer an injury, leaving Friday's game against the Oakland Athletics with a mild right groin strain.

Batista, who allowed three runs, needed 42 pitches to get through the first inning and walked five of the 10 batters he faced. He was pulled after walking Kurt Suzuki to start the second inning.

The Mariners said the 37-year-old Batista will undergo a further examination of Saturday. He had complained of tightness in his lower back and hip throughout spring training.

Batista, who won a team-high 16 games last season, is the fourth Seattle pitcher to suffer an injury in the first month of the season and the third in as many days.

On Wednesday, Carlos Silva had to leave his start with tightness in the right thigh and the next day, Jarrod Washburn was hit on the ankle with a line drive.

The Mariners did get some good news as ace Erik Bedard will be activated from the disabled list to start Saturday's game against the Athletics.

Acquired from the Baltimore Orioles in the offseason, Bedard has missed two starts since going on the DL on April 9 with left hip inflammation.