Tim Lincecum and the San Francisco Giants were ready to get to work on Sunday when the rains came in, forcing a single-admission double-header at Citi Field Monday evening. The Freak has been struggling, looking for his first win of the season, but I bet he'd settle for at least a quality start. He had an extra day of R&R to get ready for his outing, which hopefully will be just what the doctor ordered for the two-time Cy Young Winner.
An 0-2 record with a 10.54 ERA doesn't sound like the line of a perennial All-Star and ace of a pitching staff, but Timmy hasn't exactly been pitching like his former self so far this season.
Lincecum has been relying on his nasty changeup 35 percent of the time this season according to FanGraphs.com, the highest of his carrer. He is also using his fastballs has less than half his pitches (45.5 percent) for the first time as well, which is down to an average of 90.3 mph, a noticeable drop from 2011's 92.2 average.
Despite all this and the terrible ERA and the like, Lincecum has still fanned 16 in 13.2 innings pitched, walking only four. That's the highest strikeout and lowest walk rate of his career to date, so there is still much room to hold on for hope.
Struggles are always magnified a bit at the beginning of a season, but a fourth terrible outing on Monday will certainly keep the alarms ringing.
Below skipper Bruce Bochy spoke with the media on Sunday to discuss Tim Lincecum, his recent struggles and why he isn't worried about them.
First pitch is set for 1:10 p.m. PT with coverage on CSN Bay Area and KNBR 680 AM.
For more on the Giants, head over to McCovey Chronicles. For the Mets side fo the street head over to Amazin' Avenue.