MLB rumors: Rangers release Tim Lincecum; why the Yankees should stay far away from former Cy Young winner

Two-time Cy Young Award winner Tim Lincecum was released by the Texas Rangers. Plenty of teams need starting pitching, including the Yankees, who lost Jordan Montgomery to Tommy John surgery. But general manager Brian Cashman would be wise to pass on the three-time World Series champion.

The Tim Lincecum comeback tour hit a pothole Tuesday, when he was released by the Texas Rangers.

The two-time Cy Young Award winner signed with Texas in February.

He just finished a stint on the disabled list, recovering from a blister he suffered in spring training.

According to ESPN, after completing his rehab, the Rangers had a choice: activate Lincecum, keep him on the DL, send him to the minors, or release him.

Per ESPN: 

“Despite best intentions and a lot of hard work, we just didn’t feel that it was the right move to bring him up right now,” Rangers general manager Jon Daniels said. “He was throwing OK, still kind of inconsistent with this command. We just were not of the mindset that it was going to be an upgrade on our relievers who are here. Our bullpen’s been very, very good here.”

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Lincecum last pitched in the majors for the Angels in 2016, compiling an unsightly 9.16 ERA in nine starts.

So now the question is: will he get another shot to continue his comeback? 

The 33-year-old right-hander was a four-time All-Star and three-time World Series champion with the Giants.

Surely, he could be had on the cheap.

And plenty of teams are looking for starting pitching, including the Yankees, who just lost Jordan Montgomery to Tommy John surgery.

But here’s why the Yankees should pass on Lincecum. According to NBC Sports’ Hardball Talk, Lincecum made 10 relief appearances for Triple-A Round Rock prior to his release.

He gave up 12 runs (eight of which were earned) on 14 hits and nine walks in 12.2 innings of work. That’s a 5.68 ERA. In Triple-A.

Although if a team is desperate enough, it could focus on the fact that Lincecum did strike out 10 batters during those appearances.

Mike Rosenstein may be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @rosenstein73. Find NJ.com on Facebook.