Erik Bedard plays catch during pre-game workouts at the Peoria Sports Complex

The word out of camp today is that left-hander Erik Bedard is progressing so well from shoulder surgery that he is slated to throw a bullpen session on March 23.

“He is throwing real good,” manager Don Wakamatsu said. “He will throw a light bullpen.”

Bedard had season-ending surgery last August 14 to repair a torn labrum and the free agent was expected to miss at least half of this season. But the Mariners were so encouraged by his progress that they offered him an incentive-laden contract with a $1.5 million base and he accepted it.

It appears now that he conceivably could return to the Mariners’ rotation sometime in May, though that has not been solidified. Regardless, if he comes back 100 percent healthy, it would be like making a trade without giving anyone up.

Slotting him into the rotation for the final four months of the season would definitely enhance the Mariners’ pennant hopes.

Bedard allowed two or fewer runs in 13 of his 15 starts last season — and three earned runs in the other two.

The second roster cut of camp occured this morning with four players being sent out.

Outfielder Greg Halman was optioned to Triple-A Tacoma while infielders Tommy Everidge, Brad Nelson and outfielder Mike Wilson were re-assigned to the Minor League camp.

That leaves 51 players in camp, including 13 non-roster invitees.

And now for today’s starting lineup against the Giants:

1. Ichiro, RF
2. Chone Figgins, 2B
3. Jose Lopez, 3B
4. Ken Griffey Jr., DH
5. Eric Byrnes, LF
6. Casey Kotchman, 1B
7. Franklin Gutierrez, CF
8. Adam Moore, C
9. Josh Wilson, SS
P Doug Fister

— Jim Street