Watch: Lincecum fools Valencia for 1st strikeout of 2016
In his first start in almost a year, Tim Lincecum's changeup looked like it was already in midseason form.
Lincecum, who was returning to the majors after undergoing hip surgery in September, looked like his former Cy Young self while pitching in the same Bay Area where he won three championships with the Giants. The Angels' new right-hander showed little rust in limiting Oakland to four hits and two walks while striking out a pair to earn his first victory since June 16, 2015.
Lincecum relied heavily on his trademark changeup, fanning Danny Valencia with it for his first strikeout three batters into the game. According to ESPN's David Lombardi, he threw it 39 percent of the time and recorded 10 putouts with the pitch, his most since his no-hitter against San Diego in 2014.
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