There appears a growing chance that Mariners starting pitcher Erik Bedard won't get back on a mound until August.

Bedard rejoined the team Friday and told the coaching staff he was unable to throw on the side during the All-Star break without any discomfort in his shoulder. The team has shut Bedard down for a few days as a result; he won't even attempt to play catch until Monday at the earliest.

Mariners manager Jim Riggleman said he'd like to see Bedard play catch a couple of times before allowing him to throw a bullpen session. That makes it nearly impossible that Bedard would make more than a single start by the July 31 trade deadline, if even that.