The first time in question came on April 6 when Bedard had his homecoming in Baltimore postponed due to inflammation in his left hip. He made up this start two days later, but labored through it, giving up five runs (three earned) over six innings. This was the last time he would be able to take the mound in live action. He was scratched from his scheduled start April 13.

He's pitched only 11 innings this year, giving up six runs (four earned) and walking eight. Location's been a problem for Bedard this year as evidenced by the three home runs (out of just eight hits) he's given up.

He was also off in his other start this year, struggling to make it through five innings. He allowed just one run in that start against the Rangers on March 31, but threw 106 pitches (only 59 for strikes), including 97 pitches over the first four innings.

The team's called up former Rangers first-round draft pick R.A. Dickey to take Bedard's next start April 18. Dickey's a knuckleballer in his first season with the Mariners. He has one appearance this year, giving up no runs and striking out one batter in one inning. It will, however, be his first start since 2006.

Bedard was acquired this past off-season from the Orioles in a deal that sent five players back East, including top prospect Adam Jones and relief pitcher George Sherrill. Of course, Bedard was considered worth it at the time. He was coming off a season that garnered him some Cy Young Award interest, finishing with a 13-5 record and a 3.16 ERA. His strikeout rate (10.93 per nine innings) was among the best for starters in the league and set an Orioles franchise record. His season ended up getting cut short as he went down with an oblique injury, which also cost him any realistic shot at the Cy Young. Before going down with his hip injury this year, he was expected to be part of a revamped Mariners rotation that could challenge the Angels for the top spot in their division.

Some seemed to forget, however, that Bedard had just one great season in the majors and has never pitched well at Safeco Field. In five career starts in Seattle, he has a 5.20 ERA, a 1.55 WHIP and a 1-2 record. Still, the left-hander gave the team a valuable top starter with Felix Hernandez still developing.

Bedard's injury is the result of inflammation in his left hip. Like all left-handers, he places his body weight on this hip during his throwing motion. Any discomfort in his side throws off his motion, therefore limiting the effectiveness of his delivery. His hip's also been a problem for him in the past. During his first full professional season in 2000, he suffered from hip inflammation, but it hadn't been a problem since then before his latest issue.

He's been playing catch this week and is scheduled to throw a bullpen April 18. An encouraging sign has come from the hip's improvement since his last start. Bedard's said the inflammation is going down, and he's taking it day-by-day. Whether it lingers won't be known until he makes his next start.

Bedard's injury leaves a huge hole in the Mariners rotation. They've used reliever Cha Seung Baek to replace him once, but Baek struggled in his lone start. Dickey will get the next shot. However, he sports a record of 16-19 with an ERA of 5.70 over his 267 innings in the majors. The pitching staff will have to be better in general. They currently rank in the bottom half of the league in team ERA and WHIP; both stats that could be significantly lower with Bedard starting.

Don't hit the panic button just yet. Bedard's been able to throw the ball this week and could return soon if his bullpen session goes well. He's eligible to come off the disabled list and start next Thursday, which would force him to miss just one more outing. However, owners should be wary because the last time they rested him, the injury did not go away. This could be a sign something else is going on in his hip. If he makes it through his next start without any problems, this could be nothing more than a small hiccup. If he's still suffering some discomfort, then it might linger with him all season.

There's a good chance Bedard was one of the first pitchers off the board in your draft. If you own him, stash him on the disabled list for now as he still has too much value to discard. If you don't own him, it might be an idea to start inquiring about his availability, but only if you can buy low. Owners might be willing to part with him on the cheap if they feel he isn't going to last. If he does return healthy, he should be considered a top starter for any fantasy team.

His replacement, Dickey, has little value. He doesn't have a track record in the big leagues with his last start coming two years ago. Don't pick him up unless you're desperate in deep AL-only leagues.