Tim Lincecum
Scouting Report: Tim Lincecum still primarily pitches off his fastball, which now averages 90 mph instead of the 92-93 mph from his peak, and he adds his usual slider and curveball. His change-up used to be a swing-and-miss pitch against any hitter, but losing fastball velocity has seemingly affected the effectiveness of his change-up, of which he has reduced the usage of against righties.
Analysis: Lincecum is no longer the perennial Cy Young threat. After sub-3.00 ERAs in 3 of 4 seasons from 2008-2011, Lincecum's ERA ballooned to 5.18 last season and 4.70 this season. There are a few crucial reasons for this. He's striking out fewer hitters - strikeout rate (K%) has decreased from 28% to 23% (league average is around 20%) - and he's walking more hitters - walk rate (BB%) has increased from 8% (basically league-average) to 11%. In addition to that, he's giving up more home runs - home run rate (HR/FB) has increased to 13% after being near 8-9%. Essentially, Lincecum has gotten worse at everything a pitcher has complete control over, and the loss in fastball velocity is probably a primary reason.
Braves Lineup:
SS Andrelton Simmons
RF Jason Heyward
LF Justin Upton
1B Freddie Freeman
CF BJ Upton
C Brian McCann
3B Chris Johnson
2B Ramiro Pena
SP Julio Teheran
Giants Lineup
CF Gregor Blanco
SS Brandon Crawford
C Buster Posey (was out)
RF Hunter Pence
1B Brandon Belt
LF Andres Torres
3B Joaquin Arias
2B Nick Noonan
SP Tim Lincecum