Major League Baseball

Lincecum gets work in, Rockies-Giants rained out

Published Mar. 22, 2011 2:08 a.m. ET

share

facebookxredditlink

foxsports

A lot of teams would be concerned if their ace pitcher just got roughed up by a division rival and their closer was sidelined by a strained rib cage.

Not the San Francisco Giants. They're the defending World Series champions and they can afford to sit back and take a breath.

The ace, Tim Lincecum, and the closer, Brian Wilson, didn't seem too bothered, either. They sat and played cards in the clubhouse for nearly an hour after San Francisco's game with the Colorado Rockies was called after 2 1/2 innings Monday because of rain.

Lincecum has won his last three starts and has a 2.55 ERA this spring. But he gave up five runs (four earned) and seven hits against Colorado, walking one and striking out four in a steady rain. He threw 54 pitches and said he should be ready to go for his final spring start on Saturday.

''I feel like I'm where I need to be,'' Lincecum said. ''I've been working on my arm strength in between starts. I got to throw some innings today with some guys on base, so that was good.''

Giants manager Bruce Bochy said Lincecum got his work in, ''and that's the most important thing,'' adding that if the game would not have been played, the right-hander would have thrown a similar amount of pitches in a covered batting cage.

Dexter Fowler and Jose Lopez each had two hits off Lincecum that won't count in Cactus League statistics.

As for Wilson, he was examined by doctors again Monday after getting injured Thursday. They confirmed he has nothing more than a mild strain on his left side.

Bochy said Wilson already has been exercising in the weight room, but no lifting of weights has been involved. After an off day for the entire team on Tuesday, Wilson will attempt to play catch on Wednesday, although not off the mound.

''We are encouraged by the progress he's made,'' Bochy said, adding that the team is optimistic Wilson will be ready for opening day March 31 at Los Angeles.

NOTES: Giants LHP Jonathan Sanchez will pitch in a minor league game Tuesday to stay on schedule. Bochy said he will be there to watch, even though the team has an off day. ... Bochy put SS Miguel Tejada in the No. 8 spot in the batting order and said he likely would do it again. ''He's a guy who could do it, who gives you enough speed if you bunt him over,'' Bochy said.

share

Get more from Major League Baseball Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more

in this topic

Major League Baseball