GLENDALE, Ariz. -- The Los Angeles Dodgers needed to reinforce their pitching depth with guys they can stash at Triple-A Oklahoma City. Erik Bedard is trying to kick-start a once-promising career. Both sides have gone into this relationship with open eyes.
Bedard said he is aware that, if the Dodgers’ other starting pitchers stay healthy, he will open the season in the minor leagues, where he hasn’t pitched regularly since 2003.
“I know where I stand. It feels fine,” Bedard said. “The game’s still fun and I like playing baseball is, basically, what it comes down to.”
Asked if he was OK with going to Oklahoma City, Bedard said, “I’ve never been there. Is it that bad? You’re scaring me.”
Bedard signed a minor-league deal with the Dodgers on Jan. 18. He started Wednesday’s Cactus League opener against the Chicago White Sox and got through two innings, allowing a run on two hits, Alexei Ramirez's single to center driving in Avisail Garcia.
Bedard, who turns 36 later this month, said his surgically repaired left shoulder has remained strong throughout camp, but he admitted he doesn’t have the same arsenal as he did when he was a member of the Seattle Mariners and still in his 20s.
“I used to throw hard,” Bedard said. “Now, not so hard.”