Tim Lincecum’s brief stint with the Texas Rangers’ organization has come to an abrupt end. After struggling in 10 appearances down at Triple-A Round Rock, Texas has released the soon-to-be 34-year-old pitcher.
According to T.R. Sullivan of MLB.com, the Rangers didn’t see the two-time Cy Young winner as an upgrade in their bullpen.
Rangers release Tim Lincecum… did not see him as an upgrade to their bullpen
— TR Sullivan (@Sullivan_Ranger) June 5, 2018
Given that Texas doesn’t have a single full-time reliever with an ERA of better than 3.54 on the season and boasts a team 4.74 ERA, this tells us more about Lincecum than anything.
A dominant figure for the better part of his nine-year career with the San Francisco Giants, Lincecum has not pitched at the Major League level since the 2016 season.
In 10 appearances for the Rangers’ top minor league affiliate prior to his release, Lincecum was pitching to a 5.68 ERA and 1.82 WHIP. One has to wonder whether this is the end of a line for him.