Tim Lincecum is reportedly choosing to sign with the Los Angeles Angels over the Giants, according to multiple sources.
The deal between the two parties is pending a physical.
The two-time Cy Young Award winner narrowed his decision to the Chicago White Sox, the Giants, and the Angels, but ultimately chose to bring his talents to Southern California.
There has been no definite reason as to why Lincecum picked the Angels, but the most probable reason is that the team is going to allow him to start due to their thin starting rotation.
As of right now, ace Garrett Richards is out for the season due to a torn ligament in his pitching elbow, and Tyler Skaggs, C.J. Wilson, and Andrew Heaney are dealing with injury issues of their own.
With a lack of arms in its farm system, the desperateness of the Angels to find a serviceable starter, and Lincecum's desire to be in the rotation, this deal makes sense for both sides.
The Angels, of course, will not be getting the same Lincecum who dominated batters in the late-2000s and early-2010s, but the 31-year-old has plenty of innings left to throw.
Last season for San Francisco, Lincecum started in 15 games before being shut down for the season. He initially went down due to a line drive to his elbow, and upon further evaluated, the right-hander was diagnosed with a degenerative hip condition in July.
On September 3rd of last year, Lincecum had season-ending surgery on his hip. He ended the season with a 7-4 record with an ERA of 4.13 and 60 strike outs over 76.1 innings.
The Angels' record currently stands at 16 and 21, 5.5 games out of first place in the American Leauge West and the team has picked up a little bit of momentum with by sweeping the Seattle Mariners after being swept by the Tampa Bay Rays and St. Louis Cardinals.
In 2008 and 2009, Lincecum took home National League Cy Young honors with, respectively, records of 18-5 and 15-7, ERAs of 2.62 and 2.48, and 265 and 261 strike outs. The Freak was an important role player in the Giants' three championships in 2010, 2012, and 2014 as well.
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