PEORIA, Ariz. (AP) -Erik Bedard no longer worries about the pain in his pitching shoulder that caused him so much discomfort last year, cost him half the season and ultimately landed the Seattle left-hander on the disabled list.

Bedard passed his latest test on the road to recovery, throwing 2 2-3 shutout innings in the Mariners' 4-2 loss to the Los Angeles Angels on Thursday.

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It was the second straight strong outing for Bedard, who showed good command while allowing one hit with three strikeouts against the defending AL West champions.

``It's spring training. I'm just trying to get my arm ready,' Bedard said. ``As long as I throw strikes it's progress. That's all I'm trying to do. I'm trying to get physically in shape because I've been throwing a long time.'

Bedard didn't have much luck last spring after being obtained from Baltimore in a multiplayer trade. After inheriting the role of No. 1 starter, he struggled with his control and never found his rhythm.

The problems carried over into the regular season. Bedard went 6-4 with a 3.67 ERA in 15 starts before being placed on the disabled list and missing the final three months. He had surgery Sept. 26 to remove a cyst from his pitching shoulder and cut away some tissue.

Bedard hasn't had any setbacks since and is a month ahead of schedule in his rehab.

``To come off surgery and feel this good, I'm lucky,' Bedard said.

He's also showing signs of becoming the pitcher the Mariners hoped they were getting when they traded left-handed reliever George Sherrill and top minor league prospect Adam Jones to the Orioles.

In his second start this spring, Bedard started off slowly but worked his way out of a two-on, one-out jam in the first inning by getting Kendry Morales to hit into a fielder's choice and then striking out Mike Napoli.

Bedard got some help from Seattle's defense in the second when shortstop Reegie Corona made a diving catch of Howie Kendrick's line drive. The Mariners' lefty then retired his next four batters, striking out Reggie Willits and Chone Figgins.

``Today he mixed up his pitches more,' said Seattle manager Don Wakamatsu, who pulled Bedard after 47 pitches. ``I thought he looked comfortable out there and that's a big thing. First time out, he looked like he was trying to throw the ball harder. Today, it just came out of his hand nice.'

Angels starter Shane Loux gave up an unearned run in two innings. The 29-year-old right-hander has yet to give up an earned run in four innings this spring and is strengthening his bid for the fifth spot in Los Angeles' rotation.

``We're seeing good stuff and that's important,' manager Mike Scioscia said. ``Today I think he had a little trouble getting ahead and putting some guys away. He had good action on his ball and he got some double-play balls early, but he was behind in the count too much for what he needs to do.'

Kendrick had two hits in his first Cactus League game this year, including a solo home run. Jeff Mathis added a two-run double for the Angels, who improved to 6-1.

Notes: Seattle DH Chris Shelton hit his third homer of the spring off Rafael Rodriguez. ... Former Seattle Seahawks coach Mike Holmgren was among those in attendance and sat just to the right of the Mariners' dugout next to team president Chuck Armstrong.