Veteran left-hander Erik Bedard began his comeback trail with the Dodgers on Monday.
Starting for Single-A Rancho Cucamonga in a rare afternoon California League game, Bedard allowed four hits, a walk, and three runs in the first inning against the San Jose Giants. After that, Bedard pitched three scoreless innings and scattered two hits.
The four-inning start was the first at any level for Bedard since two months ago in spring training.
The Dodgers signed Bedard, who made 15 starts last year for the Tampa Bay Rays, to a minor-league deal with an invitation to spring training in January. Bedard actually started the Dodgers’ Cactus League opener but was sidelined by a strained left teres major muscle three weeks later. The 36-year-old remained in Glendale, Arizona to continue his rehab at extended spring training.
Given Bedard’s long track record, and the fact that two-fifths of the Dodgers’ projected starting rotation has been lost for the season, Bedard still could be a factor for the Dodgers in 2015 if he’s healthy.
Monday was only his first step back, and even manager Don Mattingly didn’t know what was next for Bedard. Check back in five days; a second rehab start would constitute progress.