Beavan gets start for M's on Sunday

Needing a starter to fill in for the injured Erik Bedard, the Seattle Mariners will turn today to right-hander Blake Beavan.

And when Beavan takes the hill for a 1:10 p.m. start against the San Diego Padres, it will mean all three of the players the Mariners acquired from Texas for Cliff Lee a year ago have appeared in the major leagues.

Also acquired in that trade, made July 9, 2010, were current first baseman Justin Smoak and reliever Josh Lueke, who appeared in 10 games earlier this season before being sent back to Tacoma.

Beavan will be called up Sunday, when the Mariners will have to make a move to clear space — speculation is it could be catcher Jose Yepez, who was called up this week to add depth at that spot but may no longer be needed if Miguel Olivo is able to return.

The 6-foot-7, 240-pound Beavan is 5-3 with a 4.45 earned-run average for Tacoma and 4-2 with a 2.93 ERA in his past seven starts, though he allowed 12 hits and six runs in his most recent start June 28.

"He's the guy that deserves to get the call up," manager Eric Wedge said. "He's been very consistent down there. He's earned the opportunity to be here, and he will be our guy."

Beavan has impressed with his control in his minor-league career, issuing just 20 walks in 93 innings this season.

"By all indications he is a guy that has done a good job of working the strike zone and pitching the way he wants to pitch," Wedge said. "And that's what you love to see with anybody but also a young kid, too."

Bedard is on the 15-day disabled list with a sprained knee, so Beavan could get another start or two for the Mariners beyond Sunday.

Ackley, Olivo update

Beavan could have a lineup behind him fortified by the return of Dustin Ackley and Olivo.

Each remained out Saturday — Ackley with bruised ribs suffered Wednesday and Olivo with leg cramps suffered Tuesday.

Ackley said he was improving daily and thought he could have played Saturday and that "I wouldn't see why tomorrow (Sunday) I wouldn't be able to do everything full strength."

Ackley hit a home run in his last at-bat Wednesday and said it hasn't hurt to swing. He did some hitting off a tee and soft toss before the game Saturday.

Olivo said he also thought it possible he could play Sunday. He caught a bullpen session and did some running and Wedge said "he's better."

Josh Bard caught his third straight game Saturday since being recalled when Olivo and Chris Gimenez were each injured Tuesday.

Note

• NFL Hall of Fame quarterback Joe Montana, whose son Nick plays for Washington, threw out the first pitch.

For the record: W-L: 40-43 W PCT: .482 Streak: L1 Home: 22-22 Road: 18-21 vs. AL West: 9-9 vs. L.A.: 3-2 vs. Oakland: 4-3 vs. Texas: 2-4 vs. AL East: 11-8 v. AL Cent: 12-17 vs. NL: 8-9 vs. LHP: 8-14 vs. RHP: 32-29 Day: 9-14 Night: 31-29 One-run: 15-15 Extra inngs.: 4-3 Home attendance Saturday's crowd: 22,798 Season total: 997,993 Biggest crowd: 45,727 (April 8) Smallest crowd: 11,692 (May 31) Average (44 dates): 22,681 2010 average (44 dates): 27,055

Bob Condotta: 206-515-5699 or bcondotta@seattletimes.com