Giants Pitcher Tim Lincecum Needs Surgery, Out For Year
Tim Lincecum has sought another opinion on his hip to determine whether the two-time Cy Young Award-winning pitcher needs surgery. Turns out, it's bad news for the one-time ace of the franchise.
According to reports, he was in Vail, Colorado on Wednesday to be examined at the Steadman Clinic and discuss the issue with hip specialist Marc Philippon.
General manager Bobby Evans confirmed their worst fear Thursday morning in an interview on KNBR: Lincecum needs hip surgery and he will not pitch again this season.
"The next step for him is to do everything he can and get back and get well, but it's going to take him out for the season," Evans said. "What that leads to in terms of his progression health-wise will dictate what opportunities he has with us or elsewhere."
This is likely Lincecum's final month in a Giants uniform, then his 2-year, $35 million contract will expire and he will be free to sign with any team who wants him - that is, if he's healthy.
Lincecum went on the disabled list in late July after being bothered by what the Giants have said is a degenerative condition in his hips. The problem has affected the 31-year-old pitcher's velocity, and he has already sought multiple opinions in an effort to find a solution.
Lincecum is 7-4 with a 4.13 ERA this season. He has helped the Giants win three World Series titles. In Lincecum's place is rookie Chris Heston, despite his recent rough outings and demotion to Sacramento.
