With just three days before opening day, it looked as if the Giants might have lost one of their top starting pitchers. Facing the A’s Friday night, Tim Lincecum took a line drive by Daric Barton off his left knee in the fourth inning and had to be helped off the field.
Lincecum said he didn’t believe he was seriously hurt at the time because Barton’s liner hit him on a fleshy part of the knee, rather than the kneecap. But while trying to walk it off, he felt a “dead leg” sensation which made it appear as if the right-hander could be significantly injured. Lincecum didn’t put any weight on his left leg as he left the game.
After the game, however, Lincecum appeared to be fine. X-rays taken of the knee were negative and according to reports, the pitcher was walking around the Giants’ clubhouse without a limp.
Depending on how the knee responds on Saturday, the Giants and Lincecum are planning for him to make his scheduled start against the D-Backs on Thursday. If Lincecum experiences major soreness or swelling, manager Bruce Bochy said Yusmiero Petit will likely get the nod.
