Tim Lincecum still remains one of the most interesting free agents, even though the 2016 MLB season has already began. The right-hander is still pitching as he recovers form hip surgery, but he has yet to throw/host a showcase for MLB teams.
It was reported a week ago that it's unclear how his rehab is progressing or when he will pitch publicly. We do know that the Kansas City Royals attempted to sneak into his secret pitching location, but they were escorted away.
Lincecum suffered a labral tear in his hip last season and was shut down. He underwent surgery in September, and his tenure with the San Francisco Giants came to an end after only 15 starts in his final season with the club.
Labral tears in the hip are fairly rare and the surgeries are said to be complex, which makes a comeback in any sport fairly difficult. And apparently, Lincecum's procedure wasn't the average session of going under the knife.
"Lincecum had a more extensive version of the same surgery done in early September and, while he reportedly has been working out in Arizona, he's a free agent and has not yet thrown a showcase for prospective teams," wrote Dan Wade of the Hardball Times. "While he may not have been able to get into his normal offseason routine until the new year, Lincecum should be getting back to early season form soon, and the fact that no one has seen him pitch is not encouraging."
The 31-year-old was garnering interest from over 20 MLB clubs earlier this offseason, but everyone is waiting for him to show his progress following the surgery. He went 7-4 with a 4.13 ERA, 1.48 WHIP and 60 strikeouts in 15 starts (76-1/3 innings) last year, which was his best showing since 2011. Lincecum fell off the map after that year and registered a 39-43 record with a 4.68 ERA in 113 games from 2012-2015.
The two-time Cy Young winner hopes to become a starter again for an MLB club, but he'll have to show he's ready to assume such a role, as it could take a fairly big toll on his surgically-repaired hip.
Is a return to the Giants in store?
#SFGiants remain interested/in touch with timmy. unlike others, they are still thinking pen for him, tho. TL wants to start
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) April 8, 2016
