SAN FRANCISCO — Giants ace Tim Lincecum is encouraged that his injured back is nearly “normal” again, and he hopes to pitch Monday against the Rockies.
“Right now, I feel as close to normal as I can,” Lincecum said Friday. “They’re going to take 100 percent precaution.”
The reigning NL Cy Young Award winner, who was scratched from his scheduled start Tuesday night because of spasms and inflammation in his lower back, played catch Friday and looked like his hard-throwing self. Bullpen catcher Bill Hayes caught the two-time all-star, and they worked up to a distance of about 100 feet.
“He looked fine,” said pitching coach Dave Righetti, who kept a watchful eye on Lincecum, as did athletic trainer Dave Groeschner. “We’ll know more after his side (today).”
Lincecum (13-5, 2.34 ERA) is scheduled to throw a bullpen session today. And if that goes well, manager Bruce Bochy would plan to use Lincecum during the Rockies series. He didn’t say whether that would be Monday.
“I would want to be (pitching Monday),” Lincecum said. “That’s not my decision.”
Hamilton gets injection
ARLINGTON, Texas — Rangers outfielder Josh Hamilton received a third injection for a pinched nerve in his back, and the two-time all-star won’t be available for “at least seven days,” according to general manager Jon Daniels.
“The doctor feels he’ll be OK in a week or so, but we need to see him on the field before we do any speculating,” Daniels said.
Footnotes.
Orioles pitcher Koji Uehara will miss the rest of the season because of a right elbow injury that has sidelined him since June.
• Yankees outfielder Johnny Damon is day to day with a stiff back.
The Associated Press
