CINCINNATI – The Giants will start left-hander Barry Zito if they get to a Game 4 in their NL division series against the Cincinnati Reds, leaving two-time Cy Young Award winner Tim Lincecum in the bullpen.
Manager Bruce Bochy announced his decision after San Francisco arrived on Monday afternoon. The Reds take a 2-0 series lead into Game 3 on Tuesday night, with Ryan Vogelsong (14-9) starting against Cincinnati's Homer Bailey (13-10).
Bochy chose Zito because of his strong showing late in the season. The left-hander won five consecutive starts and seven straight decisions, while Lincecum finished with a 10-15 mark and 17 wild pitches that tied his career high.
Lincecum relieved during Cincinnati's 9-0 win on Sunday night. Bochy said he'll be available out of the bullpen the rest of the series.
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