Blue Jays option Lincoln after 18-inning win

TORONTO -- In his best outing as a reliever for the Blue Jays, right-hander Brad Lincoln lowered his ERA from 6.11 to 4.98 after throwing four scoreless innings in Toronto's 4-3, 18-inning win over Texas on Saturday.

But keeping Toronto in its 18-inning game wasn't enough to secure Lincoln's spot on the roster. The 28-year-old was optioned to Triple-A Buffalo following the Blue Jays' win, and a corresponding move is expected to be made on Sunday, potentially the return of Darren Oliver from the disabled list.

Lincoln has appeared in 13 games for Toronto and has walked at least one batter in 11 outings. He's held hitters to a .244 average while striking out 19.

The Lake Jackson, Texas, native was acquired by the Blue Jays in a trade that sent outfielder Travis Snider to the Pirates on July 30, 2012.