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Lincecum's start scratched due to blister

San Francisco Giants right-hander Tim Lincecum was scratched from his scheduled start Saturday against the Chicago Cubs in Scottsdale, Ariz., because of a blister on the middle finger of his pitching hand.

It is considered minor, and he has dealt with blisters in past springs.

"We'll play it by ear but we're not trying to compound the issue," Lincecum said. "It's not too terrible -- nothing I haven't dealt with before. I don't want to compound it and make it worse and turn it into something to keep me out during the season."

The blister affects his ability to throw sliders and changeups. He had similar issues when he won the National Cy Young Award in 2009.

Yusmeiro Petit will start in place of Lincecum.