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Tim Lincecum remains an option for the Marlins. But not as a starter.
As the Marlins consider alternative relief options, the club is open to signing Lincecum if he is willing to pitching out of the bullpen, according to FOX Sports' Jon Morosi.
Morosi adds Lincecum has yet to throw for scouts, which almost certainly is the reason he is still available. MLB Network Insider Jon Heyman notes at least 20 clubs are interested in Lincecum.
Miami upgraded its pitching staff by adding Wei-Yin Chen, but the rotation still does not appear to be set. There is an ongoing competition for the fifth starting spot, and Jarred Cosart is not guaranteed a starting job. Instead, the Marlins are waiting for him to prove he is completely healthy.
It appears the Marlins have been interested in Lincecum from the outset, but the possibility of adding Lincecum might now be more intriguing as a result of recent injuries.
Carter Capps underwent season-ending Tommy John surgery Tuesday, and Miami lost bullpen depth as a result. Capps was expected to compete with A.J. Ramos for closing job.
Lincecum could be an ideal option for the Marlins because he is not in a position to request an extensive deal. Over 76.1 innings with the Giants last season, Lincecum pitched to a 4.13 ERA and 4.29 FIP. He has not posted an ERA under four since 2011 and could be in pursuit of a one-year contract to prove he can still be valuable.
If the Marlins are able to land Lincecum, Edwin Jackson could have a better chance of winning a rotation spot. Jackson is involved in the competition but has been linked to serving as the long reliever out of the bullpen and making spot starts as necessary. Lincecum is capable of doing the same.
Before Capps underwent surgery, the Marlins were reportedly interested in trading for relief help. If Lincecum is signed, that might no longer be necessary.
The Marlins have been forced to make several early decisions as a result of injuries. Adding Lincecum could prove to be a low-risk, high reward-type move.