"The Mariners have been scouting the Boston Red Sox farm system recently, apparently in preparation for a trade of left-hander Erik Bedard, Ken Rosenthal and Jon Paul Morosi of FoxSports.com reported.

The Red Sox are "all over" Bedard despite questions about his health, a source told Rosenthal . Bedrard is scheduled to return from the disabled list Friday against the Tampa Bay Rays at Safeco Field. It will be his only start before the July 31 trade deadline and his first since June 27.

Rosenthal reported that the Red Sox and New York Yankees will scout Bedard's start Friday.

Bedard, 4-6 with a 3.00 ERA in 15 starts this season, is recovering from a sprained knee. He was considered a prime candidate for a trade before the deadline, but his delayed return from the DL may have turned off some suitors.

According to the FoxSports.com report, the Mariners had scouts watching the Red Sox Triple-A and Double-A affiliates Wednesday."