Earlier this year, Tim Lincecum held a showcase in hopes of latching on with a major league team. The Angels gave Lincecum a chance to show he could regain the form that made him one of the top pitchers in the game, but that experiment now appears to be over.
On Friday, Lincecum started his ninth game of the season and lasted just 3.1 innings. He allowed nine hits, two walks, and six earned runs as the Angels fell to the Mariners 6-4. The following day, the Angels announced they designated the 32-year-old for assignment.
Today the #Angels recalled RHP Jose Valdez from Salt Lake and designated RHP Tim Lincecum for assignment.
— Angels (@Angels) August 6, 2016
Lincecum’s first start of the season was encouraging, but it’s been a struggle since, with manager Mike Scioscia saying Lincecum has regressed.
Scioscia on Lincecum: "He hasn't progressed from his first couple starts. He's regressed."
— Jeff Fletcher (@JeffFletcherOCR) August 6, 2016
Lincecum will now have the option to accept a demotion to Triple-A, although there is no guarantee he will do so.
When Lincecum signed with the Angels, no one was expecting to see the 2008 through 2011 version who won two Cy Young Awards. However, what we’ve seen thus far in 2016 has many ready to shovel dirt on the career of the four-time All-Star. Lincecum has pitched to a 9.16 ERA, while surrendering 68 hits and 23 walks in 38.1 innings.
