San Francisco Giants’ Tim Lincecum is not completely prepared for pitching – MLB News
Tim Lincecum did not know how costly a morsel could end up for the star pitcher of the San Francisco Giants. An illness followed when he ate something recently, triggering hasty changes in the team that brought Matt Cain to replace Lincecum.
"We're hopeful he's going to gain strength," Giants’ manager Bruce Bochy said of Lincecum, who was scratched Tuesday. "If not, we're covered with Vogelsong. Obviously, we don't want him pitching if he's washed out."
The illness has already affected the pitcher to drop some of weight. Lincecum said, “I have lost a few pounds but felt well enough to play catch and eat a sandwich -- not a cheesesteak -- along with copious amounts of Pedialyte and water." He received intravenous
fluids as well.
On Tuesday when he was to play against the Philadelphia Phillies, he was suddenly scratched from the start, citing flu as the reason why the decision was taken.
The right-handed pitcher of the San Francisco Giants has successfully used a long stride and unorthodox mechanics in pitching to confuse and contain the hitters. The 5ft 11in player has always been a moving spirit of the team.
Having won 2008 - 09 National League CY Young Awards, his two-seam balls, a change-up in the pitching and the speed that remains around 91 to 95 MPH are additional ornaments in the already long list of achievements for the star player.
Lincecum has played 145 games in his career, as he has contributed to the 65 victories for the team, having pitched 953.1 innings and having maintained 1.18 WHIP and 3.00 ERA. Statistics that show he has been improving with good pace.
Ever since the start of the 2011 MLB regular season where he has played 22 games, he has won 9 games for the team, having 152 strike-outs to his credit and a 2.78 ERA, 1.19 WHIP.
Last year’s Major League Baseball champions, the San Francisco Giants have some of the best players in their fold this time round as well. Even though they did not start a very good season, losing games in regular interval in the first half, the Giants changed
their strategy and came back winning.
They currently are fourth in the ranking, standing very next to the New York Yankees with 61 wins each. The Giants also lead the Western Division where they are followed by the Arizona Diamondbacks, trailing with 57 wins.
As the Giants’ pitcher Lincecum recuperates and is expected to join the team soon, the team will play their games with all the more strength to outrival their opponents.
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