Rangers sign RHP Lincecum

Tim Lincecum is officially a member of the Texas Rangers.

The two-time Cy Young Award winner attempting to come back from a layoff will compete for a job in the bullpen, general manager Jon Daniels confirmed.

Lincecum, 33, has started 270 of his 278 games in the major leagues, though the possibility of pitching the ninth inning intrigued him.

"They see that," Lincecum told reporters. "I feel like I could do that. I've done that in the Cape [Cod League] and at the college level. It's going to be, obviously, different, but I feel like I could tap into that mentality. Right now, I'm just trying to see where I fit on this team. The idea was to go to a bullpen role because I felt like that's what would be best for the way I am right now and at this point in my career."

Daniels said he expects Lincecum to throw bullpen sessions and batting practice before appearing in a spring game. But given the amount of preparation Lincecum did to get ready for his showcase, Daniels thinks his progression should be quick, though being set for Opening Day might be a stretch.

"He is as close to being in game shape as you can be," Daniels said. "He is farther along than most guys are on reporting day."

Lincecum sat out all of last season after a disastrous run with the Los Angeles Angels in 2016. He has a 3.74 ERA in his 10 major league seasons, which includes National League Cy Young wins 2008 and '09, and has battled a degenerative hip injury in the past.

"I'm not 100 percent what to expect," Daniels said. "I'm not putting any expectations out there. You are talking about two realities. One, you are talking about one of the best pitchers of this generation. From that standpoint -- it's like what I used to say about [former Rangers outfielder] Josh Hamilton -- nothing would surprise me.