Thursday, April 3, 3:40 PM on CSBy, FSAZ

Chase Field, Phoenix, Arizona

San Francisco - T. Lincecum (0-0) vs. Arizona - B. Arroyo (0-0)

For Updated Odds on This Game Click Here

Late Thursday afternoon, Tim Lincecum of the San Francisco Giants will take the mound against the Arizona Diamondbacks’ Bronson Arroyo in a battle of veteran right-handers. Tim Lincecum was once one of baseball’s most feared pitchers but the last few seasons have calmed the fears of opposing hitters. The fastball fans were used to seeing has lost some of its pop and Lincecum’s numbers have reflected it. 2013 saw him post his third straight losing season with a record of 10 – 14. In 32 starts, Lincecum had 193 strikeouts, which was more than 2012 (190 strikeouts) but less than 2011’s 220 K’s. His Era of 4.37 was the second straight year that he was above 4.0.

Despite some knee issues, Lincecum is expected to start against Arizona, who he started two games against last year and went 1 – 0 with an ERA of 4.09. San Francisco’s Miguel Montero has faced Lincecum the most with 55 at bats but Paul Goldschmidt has had the most success with 5 homers and 11 RBIs in 20 at bats.

Bronson Arroyo goes into his 15th MLB campaign this year with his first year in Arizona after spending the last 8 seasons in Cincinnati with the Reds. Last year, Arroyo started 32 games and compiled a 14 – 12 record with a 3.79 ERA. Despite his age, he continued to pile on the innings with another 200-plus inning year (the eight year in nine that he pitched over 200 innings).

Last season, Arroyo dominated the Giants in two starts against them. He went 2 – 0 with a 0.60 ERA, gave up 9 hits and struck out 9. The Giants’ Hunter Pence has stepped in the batter’s box the most against Arroyo and has 13 hits 2 home runs and 5 RBIs in 40 at bats.

San Francisco Trends

San Francisco is 12-4 SU in its last 16 games when playing on the road against Arizona
San Francisco is 12-6 SU in its last 18 games when playing Arizona
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of San Francisco's last 10 games when playing Arizona

Arizona Trends

Arizona is 4-12 SU in its last 16 games when playing at home against San Francisco
Arizona is 6-12 SU in its last 18 games when playing San Francisco
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Arizona's last 10 games when playing San Francisco

Injuries to Watch

San Francisco 

04/02/14 C Buster Posey Rest is not expected to be in the starting lineup Thursday vs. Arizona Diamondbacks
03/29/14 P Tim Lincecum Knee questionable Thursday vs. Arizona Diamondbacks
03/28/14 2B Marco Scutaro Back 15-day DL (3/21)
03/27/14 P Jeremy Affeldt Knee 15-day DL (3/23)

Arizona 

03/31/14 P Daniel Hudson Elbow 15-day DL (3/29)
03/29/14 P Bronson Arroyo Back is upgraded to probable for first scheduled start
03/28/14 P David Hernandez Elbow out indefinitely
03/27/14 LF Cody Ross Hip 15-day DL (3/19)
03/27/14 P Matt Reynolds Elbow 15-day DL (3/19)
03/27/14 P Patrick Corbin Elbow out for season

Tony's Pick: Take San Francisco

Get $60 worth of FREE premium member picks. No Obligation. No Salesman. No Credit Card. Fast Sign up with Instant Access Click Here

Read more articles by Tony Sink