Brad Lincoln pitched six strong innings against the Milwaukee Brewers tonight, and the timing was perfect. The start came on the same day that Kevin Correia was placed on the 15-day disabled list, and shortly after Paul Maholm was also placed on the disabled list. With both starters out, Lincoln will get more time in the rotation from this point forward.
“We’re definitely going to get him the ball and see where he can take it from the rotation, being one of the starters,” Clint Hurdle said after the game.
Lincoln has made two starts in the majors this year, and the difference between the rotation and the bullpen has been clear, with much better results out of the rotation.
“It’s just something that I’ve done my entire career, so obviously I’m going to be a little more comfortable with (starting), rather than coming out of the pen,” Lincoln said. “Not to say I wasn’t comfortable coming out of the pen. It was just a more relaxed feeling for me out there tonight.”
The injuries to Correia and Maholm will give the Pirates a chance to see what they have with Lincoln, who is 26 years old, but still has a chance to be a part of the future of the Pirates’ rotation.
