Erik Bedard lasted four innings and gave up four runs Thursday in a loss to the Twins. As badly as Bedard started off -- he gave up three runs in the first and another in the second -- it was an accomplishment that he actually managed to get through four and keep the Rays in the ballgame. Still, he's been unimpressive in both of his starts to date, and the Rays may want to consider alternatives now. Matt Andriese is one possibility.

Erik Bedard was chased after giving up four runs over 3 2/3 innings Friday against the Yankees. Bedard was called up last week to pitch out of the bullpen, but the oblique injury to Alex Cobb pushed him into the rotation. He didn't look all that good early on Friday, giving up four runs in the second inning, but he finished fairly strong. Still, the Rays surely would have liked him to work further into the game. The veteran left-hander should stick in the rotation for now, but he's not much of a fantasy option.

Rays manager Joe Maddon said Sunday that Erik Bedard is likely to start on Thursday against the Yankees in place of the injured Alex Cobb (oblique). He's the obvious choice, though Maddon did say that he wouldn't hesitate to use Bedard in relief before then if he's needed. The left-hander should receive a handful of starts in place of Cobb as long as he holds his own.

Rays recalled LHP Erik Bedard from Triple-A Durham. Bedard will officially join the Rays' bullpen on Sunday. He'll pitch in long relief initially but could serve as a kind of swingman eventually for Tampa Bay.

Erik Bedard is expected to be recalled to join the Rays bullpen on Sunday. The veteran left-hander was bypassed at the end of spring training for the final rotation spot in favor of Jake Odorizzi and again on Friday when it was announced that Cesar Ramos would start in place of the injured Matt Moore. Bedard will work in long relief initially, but don't be surprised if he eventually gets another shot at starting.

Rays manager Joe Maddon said Wednesday that either Cesar Ramos or Erik Bedard will start on Sunday in Cincinnati. Maddon isn't ready to name a fifth starter yet in the wake of the Matt Moore (elbow) injury, but he's narrowed it down to two candidates and revealed which day they'll pitch. Ramos holds a 3.50 ERA over the last two-plus seasons with the Rays, but he's made only one start over that time. Bedard allowed one run while striking out five over four frames in his first start for Triple-A Omaha.

Rays re-signed LHP Erik Bedard to a minor league contract. Bedard was released earlier this week, but he evidently was unable to find a major league deal anywhere else. Jake Odorizzi is serving as the Rays' No. 5 starter while Jeremy Hellickson (elbow) is out, but Bedard should get the first call if injury hits the club again.

Rays released LHP Erik Bedard. Bedard was in the mix for the fifth starter job this spring, but the Rays decided to go with Jake Odorizzi. The veteran left-hander will look for an opportunity in the big leagues elsewhere, but there's still a chance he could return to Tampa Bay.

A source tells Chris Cotillo of MLB Daily Dish that Erik Bedard will opt out of his contract with the Rays. Bedard had the option if he was asked to take a minor league assignment, which he was told Saturday is the team's intention after he lost out in the battle for the fifth starter job. He appeared to be contemplating the assignment, according to Tampa Bay Times writer Joe Smith, but apparently he feels he can find a major league job elsewhere. The 35-year-old doesn't have much to offer a team these days.

Erik Bedard will not be the Rays' fifth starter according to Joe Smith of the Tampa Bay Times. The team has made a decision about its fifth starter but hasn't made it public yet. Bedard previously expressed that he wouldn't accept an assignment to Triple-A but Rays manager Joe Maddon said he hopes the left-hander considers it. Bedard does seem to be more open to the idea now, but it's unclear whether he will. It's hard to see him getting a major league opportunity with another club.