Lincecum treated for degenerative hip problem

SAN DIEGO -- Giants right-hander Tim Lincecum was ordered to abstain from throwing for at least five days after receiving treatment Monday for a degenerative hip condition.

A Giants spokesman said Lincecum, 31, has dealt with hip trouble since the end of last year. Manager Bruce Bochy said Lincecum, the two-time National League Cy Young Award winner, received cortisone shots in both hips and underwent an MRI examination during a visit to Dr. Thomas Byrd, a Nashville, Tenn., hip specialist.

Since Lincecum had not signed a waiver allowing him to discuss his condition with reporters, neither he nor head athletic trainer Dave Groeschner addressed the media. But Bochy implied that Lincecum's ailment was not career-threatening.

"This is normal with athletes," Bochy said.

Lincecum has been inactive since June 27, when he sustained a bruised right forearm after being struck by a line drive. According to Bochy, Lincecum struggled with his pitching mechanics when he threw in the bullpen before the All-Star break. That, along with Lincecum's uneven performance, indicated he would not be rejoining the starting rotation soon. After posting a 4-2 record with a 2.08 ERA and working at least seven innings three times in his first eight starts, Lincecum went 3-2, 7.53 and never lasted past the sixth inning in his next seven outings. The four-time All-Star is 7-4 with a 4.13 ERA overall.

This development is likely to silence speculation, at least temporarily, about what roster move the Giants would make to accommodate Lincecum's return from the disabled list.