The Angels do not plan to bring veteran righty Tim Lincecum back to the majors this year, Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports (Twitter link). The same holds true for infielder Johnny Giavotella, he tweeted himself.
Hopes were high in some quarters when Lincecum, the two-time former Cy Young winner, ramped up for action in 2016. After undergoing hip surgery in the offseason, he held a heavily-covered workout and ultimately joined the Angels under a contract that paid him a pro-rated portion of a $2.5MM salary.
Things didn’t go quite as hoped. Lincecum had been pitching at Triple-A after accepting an outright assignment about a month ago, which resulted after the 32-year-old ran up a ghastly 9.16 ERA and lasted only 38 1/3 innings over nine starts.
The results were better at Triple-A, as Lincecum pitched an identical number of frames in seven outings. He ends his time in Salt Lake City with a 3.76 ERA and 8.7 K/9 with 3.3 BB/9. Still, the overall showing wasn’t enough to claim back a 40-man spot, and Lincecum figures to be looking at a minor league deal this winter.
As for Giavotella, 29, he also ended up in Triple-A after struggling through his major league work. Over 367 plate appearances in the majors, he put up a .260/.287/.376 batting line. It’s a bit of a surprise at first glance that Giavotella won’t be back, given his prominent role over the last two seasons, but he had already been trimmed from the 40-man. As a player with more than three years of Major League service time — Giavotella reached that threshold this season — his outright earlier this summer gives him the option to elect free agency following the completion of the regular season.
Tough to see Lincecum struggle, really liked him.
I think he needs needs a whole Spring Training to prepare. Sign him to a minor league contract and see how he does in the Spring.
You don’t like him now?
Did the kid from Dazed and Confused get a haircut?
Like!
If Lincecum can’t make it on the Angels, which lost approximately 81 starters to injury this season, I seriously doubt he is going to find a better opportunity next year.
I think your numbers a bit off………it’s closer to 87
My mistake. I hadn’t checked this week’s injuries yet.
should be able to trade him to d-backs for 3 of there best prospects
I think the Braves have all the prospects anybody would want…
maybe greinke,pollock,and goldsmidt . should be close for a washed up pitcher
1st class organization.
Welp I guess Timmy Lin is done. (This is a cut and paste of my comment 4 years ago.)
Might as well load up on cheap chances. Maybe we get lucky with someone.