Though every team tries to limit pitch counts these days, going well above the standard limit for pitches to chase a no-hitter isn't unheard of. San Francisco's Tim Lincecum needed 148 pitches to complete his recent no-no against the Padres.
Johan Santana was coming off major shoulder surgery when he needed 134 pitches to finish the first no-hitter in Mets history last year. He hasn't pitched this season after a second shoulder surgery.
"I've told our starters this each and every time I give them the ball that they better get it done in 120 pitches," Porter said. "When you start talking about health issues and protecting the player and understanding the ramifications of what can follow that type of stress on your arm, it's just something that you have to take into consideration given the situation."
Still, 32-year-old Joe Saunders fiber optic cable , a starter for the Mariners who watched as Bedard left the game Saturday night, had a different opinion.
"I wouldn't have done what he did," Saunders said. "I would have done things different and I think a lot of people would have."