Hickey:

Meanwhile, Erik Bedard made an unscheduled appearance on a bullpen mound before Thursday's game. There was no plan to have him throw, but he told pitching coach Mel Stottlemyre he was ready.

"He looked good; he went a little hard today," Riggleman said. "We don't know yet if he's going to be able to pitch for us before the season's over, though."

I think a good nickname for Erik Bedard would be Madeline. Because he's French and a little girl.