Lincecum allows three runs in five innings in Triple-A debut
TACOMA, Wash. (AP) Two-time Cy Young winner Tim Lincecum allowed three runs and three hits over five innings in his first comeback start with Triple-A Salt Lake Bees against the Tacoma Rainiers on Thursday night.
The 31-year-old right-hander, signed by the Los Angeles Angels two weeks ago, retired nine straight during one stretch after allowing two runs in the first inning and another in the second. He left with Salt Lake trailing 3-1 against a Tacoma lineup that included Seattle Mariners starting shortstop Ketel Marte, who is on a rehab assignment.
Lincecum struck out five and walked three with one hit batter. He also balked in a run with the bases loaded in the first. He threw 88 pitches, including 48 strikes.
Lincecum, 7-4 last season with San Francisco, underwent season-ending hip surgery last September and was released by the Giants. He pitched in two extended spring training games after signing with the Angels and is scheduled to make one more start for the Bees on June 7 and then join the Angels on June 12 to face the Cleveland Indians in Anaheim.