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Bedard set for return to the hill as M's visit Rangers

Apr 4, 2011 - 2:45 PM (Sports Network) - Erik Bedard returns to the hill for the first time in almost two years this evening when the Seattle Mariners open a three-game set against the Texas Rangers at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington.

Bedard made just 15 starts for the Mariners in 2009 before shutting it down in late July with a shoulder injury that eventually required surgery and caused him to miss all of last season.

At one time Bedard was considered one of the best left-handers in the game, but since coming to Seattle in a trade before 2008 injuries have been a major issue, as he has made just 30 starts and hasn't taken a big league mound since July 25, 2009.

Despite that, Seattle offered him a non-guaranteed contract this offseason and it appears to have paid off, as Bedard looked good this spring and pitched to a 1.13 ERA over his final five outings.

Bedard, though, may have his work cut out for him in his return, as he will be facing the defending American League champion Rangers, who are hoping for their first 4-0 start since opening the 1996 campaign with seven consecutive wins.

The Rangers manhandled the Boston Red Sox over the weekend, sweeping the three-game set and outscoring the AL East hopefuls, 26-11.

On Sunday, David Murphy went 2-for-4 and hit the first of four solo homers Texas used in a 5-1 win. Ian Kinsler, Mike Napoli and Nelson Cruz also homered for the Rangers, who crushed 11 home runs in the series.

Matt Harrison (1-0) limited Boston to one run and five hits in seven innings, during which he struck out eight. The left-hander threw 71 of his 108 pitches for strikes, and was backed by his teammates' power display.

Getting the call for the Rangers tonight will be left-hander Derek Holland, who split time last season between the majors and minors. In his time with the Rangers he was 3-4 with a 4.08 ERA in 14 appearances (10 starts).

Originally the plan was to start Alexi Ogando, but Texas manager Ron Washington pushed him back to Tuesday.

"The other guys have more experience doing it," Texas manager Ron Washington said. "We can adjust as we go along."

Seattle has also had a successful start to the season, as it took two of three from the Oakland Athletics, but was denied a sweep on Sunday, as it fell, 7-1, at the Coliseum.

The Mariners were trying to open the year 3-0 for the first time in 16 years, but Doug Fister (0-1) was touched for three runs -- two earned -- on eight hits over 5 2/3 innings to take the loss.

Ryan Langerhans provided Seattle's offense with a home run.

"Any time you win a series you need to feel good about it," said Mariners manager Eric Wedge.

Texas was 12-7 against the Mariners last season.