MLB Notes: Tim Lincecum designated for assignment by Angels

Tim Lincecum was designated for assignment on Saturday by the Los Angeles Angels, bringing into question the professional future for the two-time Cy Young Award winner.

The Angels made the move a day after Lincecum allowed six runs in the first inning of a 6-4 loss to Seattle. Lincecum is 2-6 with a 9.16 ERA in nine starts with Los Angeles in his return from left hip surgery last September.

Lincecum signed a $2.5 million, one-year contract with the Angels in May. Manager Mike Scioscia said the Angels are hopeful that Lincecum will accept an assignment to Triple-A.

“Where Tim is now and where he needs to be obviously there is a gap there,” Scioscia said. “It’s very clear now that he hasn’t progressed from his first couple of starts, he’s kind of regressed a little bit and it’s a matter of just understanding his mechanics, get his release point more consistent and that is really impossible to work at, at the major league level.”

The longtime Giant pitched in his hometown for just the second time in his career Friday, and it proved the final straw for the Angels. He barely made it out of the first inning, allowing six runs and seven hits in 3 1/3 innings. It was the sixth time Lincecum allowed at least four earned runs this season.

Lincecum went 7-4 with a 4.13 ERA in 15 starts last year after throwing no-hitters against San Diego in July 2013 and June ‘14. He had surgery last Sept. 3 and didn’t immediately sign with a team after concluding a $35 million, two-year deal with the Giants. In nine seasons with San Francisco, he helped the team win three World Series titles – in 2010, `12 and `14.

“I think there are a variety of things he’s working on and in every area where you say he’s not where he should be he’s very close,” Scioscia said. “But that gap is only going to be filled with trial and error. He’s got to try and find his delivery, find his release point and that’s virtually impossible to do in the major leagues.”

Clearing the bases

The Nationals put first baseman Ryan Zimmerman on the 15-day disabled list with a bruised left wrist. Washington recalled OF Brian Goodwin from Triple-A Syracuse before Saturday night’s game against San Francisco. … The Padres signed left-hander Clayton Richard, who previously pitched for the team. Lefty Matt Thornton was designated for assignment. … The Marlins acquired rookie left-handed reliever Hunter Cervenka from the Braves for two minor league players – IF Anfernee Seymour and left-hander Michael Mader.