Orioles ace Erik Bedard has stopped throwing, increasing the likelihood that the AL strikeout leader will soon be shut down for the season with a strained muscle near his right rib cage.
Bedard has not pitched since Aug. 26, when he allowed six runs in six innings in a loss to the Twins. The defeat ended his career-high nine-game winning streak.
An MRI exam Tuesday revealed a strained right oblique muscle. Bedard has not yet ruled out returning this season, but with three weeks left and Baltimore in the midst of a terrible skid, it seems pointless.
The injury could cost Bedard a shot at the AL Cy Young Award. The left-hander is 13-5 with a 3.16 ERA and 221 strikeouts in 182 innings.
Extra innings
The Astros interviewed three more candidates Thursday for their vacant general manager job: Phillies assistant GM Ruben Amaro Jr., Indians director of player personnel Steve Lubratich and Cardinals assistant GM John Mozeliak. … The Mariners released right-handed reliever Rick White. He appeared in six games, going 0-1 with an 8.40 ERA. … For the first time in 15 years, the Brewers announced their intention to sell playoff tickets. … An anonymous private collector purchased a rare 1909 Honus Wagner baseball card for a record $2.8 million, just over six months after it was bought for $2.35 million.
