Mike

Lincoln

Lincoln did feel some fatigue, and he is still not ready to going out on a rehab assignment.

Lincoln is about 10 days to two weeks from going on a rehab assignment.

It isn’t known when he will throw off a mound.

Lincoln probably won’t be ready for Opening Day as he recovers from a sore right shoulder. If he’s going to begin the year on the DL, that would mean there are two open spots in Pittsburgh’s bullpen.

The Pirates never tried to re-sign Lincoln. They did attempt to trade him, and at one point during the winter meetings, they believed they were close to completing a deal.

Lincoln has been sidelined with a sore shoulder, and the Pirates aren’t sure when he’ll be ready to throw in games.

Lincoln pitched in eight games at Triple-A Nashville, going 1-1 with a 0.71 ERA. The Pirates have already shipped out Brian Meadows to make room for him.

Lincoln must still complete a rehab assignment, but the Pirates are hoping that if all goes well he could join the bullpen staff before the All-Star break.

Lincoln has felt stiffness in the area for a few days. The team says the MRI is a precaution, but manager Tony La Russa is concerned: ''We’re not comfortable with it right now. He’s had a couple days off. He stills feels discomfort.’' Lincoln has been much more valuable than his 5.19 ERA would indicate. He already has three wins to go with a 0.92 WHIP and 14/6 K/BB rate.

Lincoln had no problems while throwing fastballs at less than 100 percent. “I won’t know until I cut it loose and throw some breaking stuff,” Lincoln said. “That will be the real test.”