Giants place Lincecum on 15-day DL; Cain to make season debut

It's been two weeks of unwanted firsts for San Francisco Giants right-hander Tim Lincecum.

After posting the shortest start of his career on June 21, Lincecum departed his following outing in the second inning after he was struck on the arm by a line drive. The 31-year-old was diagnosed with a contusion after X-rays returned negative, though he was placed on the 15-day disabled list for the first time in his nine-year career Thursday.

Following an excellent start to the season, things have begun to unravel for the two-time Cy Young Award winner this month. In five starts, Lincecum owns a 7.45 ERA and is allowing the opposition to hit .309.

"I'm not finishing hitters off the way I used to," Lincecum told reporters after departing after 1 1/3 innings on June 21. "I'm giving them more chances than need be."

Giants manager Bruce Bochy also voiced his concern regarding Lincecum's recent form.

"His stuff is down a little bit," Bochy said Monday. "I'm a little concerned, to be honest."

With Lincecum's move to the DL, the Giants activated Matt Cain, who has been sidelined for almost a year. The right-hander hasn't pitched since July 9, 2014 after undergoing right elbow surgery last season and suffering a flexor tendon strain in April.

"It's been a long time, a lot of working out, rehabbing, watching and not being able to participate," Cain told reporters Monday. "It will be good, like you can contribute some."

Cain struggled through 15 starts in 2014, going 2-7 with a 4.18 ERA and 1.25 WHIP while striking out 70 in 90 1/3 innings. Since going 16-5 with a career-low 2.79 ERA in 2012, the three-time All-Star is 10-17 with a 4.06 ERA.