Tim Lincecum Open To Bullpen Role After 2013

Tim Lincecum came into the Major Leagues as a promising starting pitcher, and he quickly made a name for himself with the San Francisco Giants. After two Cy Young Award’s and two World Series’ rings, the 28-year-old is now willing to make a move to the bullpen after the season if needed.

Lincecum has started on the mound in all but one of his 200 career regular season appearances, and his early season struggles in 2013 have raised questions about his future in the Giants’ rotation. He’s off to a slow start this year as he currently sports a 3-5 record with a 5.12 ERA.

Last season, Lincecum finished with the worst numbers of his seven-year career with the Giants. The University of Washington standout never settled into the league’s best rotation as his ERA dropped below five for the first time ever.

A 10-15 record and a 5.18 ERA made things difficult for Giants’ manager Bruce Bochy as the team headed into the playoffs in 2012, and, as the Giants cruised through the National League and into the World Series, Tim Lincecum found himself in the bullpen.

The right-hander made five appearances out of the bullpen in the playoffs last year as the Giants went on to sweep the Detroit Tigers for their second World Series’ ring in the past three seasons. Lincecum pitched in a reliever role in both Game 1 and Game 3 of the series.

He’s back in the starting rotation in 2013 in hopes of returning to his former dominance at the beginning of his career. After 24 starts in his rookie season, Lincecum won back-t0-back Cy Young Awards in 2008 and 2009, but his performance has steadily declined ever since.

Now that his future in the Giants’ rotation is being questioned, Lincecum told CSNBayArea.com that he would “definitely” be open to moving to the bullpen after 2013.

Tim Lincecum told me today that he’s 100 percent focused on remaining a starter this season but is very open to relieving in future.

— Andrew Baggarly (@CSNBaggs) June 2, 2013

Lincecum: “If my career takes that turn I’m definitely open to changes, especially if it’s beneficial to the team I’m playing for.”

— Andrew Baggarly (@CSNBaggs) June 2, 2013

Do you think Tim Lincecum should be moved to the bullpen after his slow start with the San Francisco Giants in 2013?

[Image via SD Dirk]