Giants' Lincecum headed to bullpen after recent struggles

Tim Lincecum's days as a starter for the San Francisco Giants appear to be temporarily over as the two-time NL Cy Young Award winner has been moved to the bullpen.

The decision comes a day after it was announced that Yusmeiro Petit will replace Lincecum in the starting rotation.

Lincecum was informed of the move to the pen Sunday, according to ESPN.

"He's fine," manager Bruce Bochy said. "He's going to work on some things. It's no problem with him."

It's been a tough couple of months for Lincecum, ever since his no-hit performance against the San Diego Padres on June 25. In his last six starts, he's put up an abysmal 9.49 ERA with a 2.27 WHIP and his opponents have put together a .380 batting average against the right-hander.

Bochy indicates the length of Lincecum's stint in the bullpen likely depends on the outcome of Petit's start Thursday against the Colorado Rockies.