Giants move Lincecum to bullpen
San Francisco Giants manager Bruce Bochy has moved starting pitcher Tim Lincecum into a relief role, according to the Associated Press.
Yusmeiro Petit will take Lincecum's place in the rotation starting Thursday, Bochy said Monday, citing the need for Lincecum to improve his balance and smooth out his delivery.
After throwing a no-hitter earlier this year and completing a stretch of more than 30 1/3 innings in which he gave up only one run, Lincecum has struggled in each of his past six starts. He has given up 26 earned runs in just 24 1/3 innings and posted a 1-3 record.
While Lincecum has only two career regular-season relief appearances, he had five relief appearances during the Giants 2012 postseason, including two scoreless appearances in the 2012 World Series.
The four-time all-star will make $17 million this season and is due $18 million next year.
JAFFE: Despite Tim Lincecum's no-hitter, Giants still struggling
- Will Green
