The Texas Rangers have activated Tim Lincecum(blister) from the 60-day disabled list and then released him from the organization. The Rangers bullpen has been improving lately and there is no longer room for him in the organization's plans for their long-relief role. Lincecum could latch on with another team, but he's a long shot to become fantasy relevant or even reach the big leagues again.
Texas Rangers relief pitcher Tim Lincecum (blister) is likely to be cut by the team later this week. The Rangers have reportedly decided against calling up Lincecum when his 30-day period runs out on Wednesday. He could stay in the minor leagues with the Rangers, but the most likely option would be Lincecum becoming a free agent. He's posting a 5.68 ERA at Triple-A Round Rock this season. He should be left on the waiver wire in all leagues until he's actually on an MLB roster.
Texas Rangers relief pitcher Tim Lincecum (blister) had a good outing at Triple-A on Wednesday. Lincecum pitched two scoreless innings in his latest outing but had two walks and zero strikeouts. This outing lowers Lincecum's ERA for the season to 6.17, and it will offer some encouragement to the Rangers. Texas has until Wednesday, June 6, to activate Lincecum. If not, they must either release him or ask him to remain at Triple-A. A few weeks ago when the Rangers bullpen was struggling, Lincecum would have had little issue being activated. However, the bullpen has been performing better and even when activated, Lincecum is likely to have little fantasy relevance at this stage.
Texas Rangers relief pitcher Tim Lincecum (blister) will not be activated from the disabled list yet. Lincecum was eligible to be activated Monday but can remain on his rehab assignment until June 5. The right-handed pitcher has struggled at Triple-A so far, currently owning a 7.45 ERA with seven walks through 9 2/3 innings. If Lincecum can get his stuff working, he has a shot to play a big part in the Rangers bullpen, which has struggled this season. Currently, Lincecum is not worth adding in fantasy, but he is a player to watch in case he finds himself with a shot to close for the Rangers at some point.
Texas Rangers relief pitcher Tim Lincecum (blister) may not be activated from the disabled list when he is first eligible. Lincecum has slowly improved on his rehab assignments but has only had one outing you would consider a success. Lincecum does not have to be activated from his rehab assignment until June 6. Right now, Lincecum has no fantasy value. His velocity is topping out right around 90 mph, which is not ideal for a potential closer. When Lincecum is activated, he may be a useful multi-inning reliever in AL-only and 15-team mixed leagues. If Lincecum pitches well in the major leagues, he will become an interesting fantasy option who could get save opportunities, but it seems like a long shot at this point.
Texas Rangers relief pitcher Tim Lincecum (blister) had a second tough outing in a row on Wednesday. Lincecum gave up one earned run with one strikeout on 13 pitches. He has now conceded three earned runs in two innings since beginning his return to action in the minors. At this stage, there will be no major concern for the Rangers, as Lincecum cannot be activated until May 28. This means there is still plenty of time for him to get into his groove. If Lincecum is successful with the Rangers, he may be an option for saves as the season progresses, but he's a long shot for much fantasy relevance.
Tim Lincecum Struggles in First Triple-A Rehab Outing
Texas Rangers relief pitcher Tim Lincecum (blister) threw his first rehab outing, and the results weren't great. The former Cy Young winner gave up a walk, a double and threw a wild pitch resulting in two earned runs over his inning of work. Lincecum did strike out two hitters but needed 16 pitches to get through the five hitters faced. The former Freak will likely need a couple of weeks to get dialed in, assuming that there's anything left in the tank, but the Rangers bullpen needs any and all help it can get. Unless you're desperate or in the very deepest of leagues, don't make a move for Lincecum now and wait for signs of life.
Texas Rangers relief pitcher Tim Lincecum (blister) will start pitching in extended spring training games this weekend. This does not count as Lincecum beginning a rehab assignment and the Rangers can take their time with him. Lincecum was placed on the 60-day disabled list earlier in the season and is therefore unable to be activated until May 28. The Rangers will be looking to activate Lincecum as soon as possible with their bullpen struggling so far in 2018. Lincecum will join the bullpen but won't be guaranteed high-leverage situations in the late innings unless he proves himself.
Texas Rangers relief pitcher Tim Lincecum (blister) will head to Arizona to continue his throwing program. Lincecum cannot be activated from the 60-day disabled list until May 28, meaning the Rangers have no need to rush his rehab. His current timetable appears to have him heading for a rehab assignment on May 6. Lincecum was in the discussion as a potential closing option during spring training. Keone Kela is the current closer, but no one in the Rangers bullpen has stood out. At some point this season, we may still see Lincecum close for the Rangers, but it's probably a long shot.
Texas Rangers relief pitcher Tim Lincecum(blister) threw to live batters on Tuesday and could be ready to join the team's bullpen at the end of May. Lincecum was placed on the disabled list in late March with a blister and has yet to make his 2018 debut. Lincecum was out of the league in 2017 after pitching nine unsuccessful games for the Angels in 2016. It's unlikely we ever see the Freak ever again, but perhaps Lincecum could become a somewhat valuable bullpen piece for the Rangers somewhere down the line. The Rangers are in serious need of pitching help when Bartolo Colon being relieved by Lincecum is a real possibility prior to the the All-Star break.
