Giants hope to start Lincecum in Game 4
Tim Lincecum will be the Giants starting pitcher in Game 4 of the National League Championship Series on Thursday unless Lincecum has to be used in relief in Game 2.
San Francisco manager Bruce Bochy made that announcement before Monday's Game 2, noting that he will try to avoid using Lincecum in relief on Monday if possible.
"We'd like to have that option if we decide to go that way," Bochy told reporters. "We'll do all we can to win this one (Monday). And we also have Barry Zito if we use Timmy."
Lincecum was the Cy Young Award winner in 2008 and 2009, but he was just 10-15 this season and has been used only in relief during the postseason. He has been effective coming out of the bullpen, yielding one run in 8 1/3 innings in three postseason appearances.
Matt Cain is scheduled to start Game 3 in St. Louis, and if the Giants use Lincecum in Game 4, Bocky would choose between Barry Zito and Madison Bumgarner for Game 5. Bumgarner has been the team's No. 2 starter much of the season, but he has struggled recently.
Bochy said he is still weighing his option for Game 5.
