Blue Jays optioned RHP Brad Lincoln to Triple-A Buffalo. Lincoln was on track to claim a spot in the Blue Jays' Opening Day bullpen, but he came down with some shoulder inflammation this weekend and probably won't be ready for the start of the season. The right-hander should reach the major league level at some point this year.

Blue Jays manager John Gibbons said that Brad Lincoln is back in the picture for a possible bullpen spot. The Jays originally intended to put Lincoln in the Triple-A rotation, but it sounds like they've determined he can help them now as a reliever. Lincoln struggled out of the bullpen for the Jays last year after coming over from the Pirates, but he still has some upside in relief.

Brad Lincoln was tagged for four runs in two-thirds of an inning by the Astros in his start Wednesday. Lincoln took a big step forward after being shifted to the pen by the Pirates last year, but the Jays have decided to take another look at him as a starter this spring. That means he's probably Triple-A bound; there's simply no room for him in the rotation and the last couple of bullpen spots on the Jays could go to guys out of options.

The Blue Jays will stretch out Brad Lincoln during spring training. It's mostly just as insurance in case they have a couple injuries, as he'd be in line to serve as the "seventh starter." Lincoln struggled out of the bullpen for the Jays after coming over from the Pirates, but he still has some upside as a reliever.

Blue Jays acquired RHP Brad Lincoln from Pirates for OF Travis Snider. Lincoln really found his niche in the bullpen this season, posting a solid 2.73 ERA and 60/14 K/BB ratio over 59 1/3 innings. There was some thought that the Blue Jays would give the 27-year-old another chance as a starter, but they intend to keep him in a set-up role.

Brad Lincoln is unavailable out of the bullpen this weekend. He was taxed for three innings Friday, and will be given a few days off. Lincoln struggled mightily as a starter earlier this month, but remains an effective middle reliever. The Pirates are going with Jeff Karstens as their current fifth starter.

Brad Lincoln limited the Tigers to two hits over six innings Saturday in a 4-1 Pirates victory. Lincoln was excellent, punching out seven Detroit hitters while issuing just one walk. The right-hander has struggled mightily this month but may have just bought himself another turn through the Pittsburgh rotation.

Brad Lincoln could make it just 3 1/3 innings in Sunday's 9-5 win over the Indians, allowing four runs on eight hits. Lincoln struck out two, walked one and served up a solo home run to Jason Kipnis. Lincoln has yet to record an out beyond the fifth inning since rejoining the Pirates rotation on June 6, and has allowed 13 runs in 11 2/3 innings in the process. He's off the radar in all formats.

Brad Lincoln was hammered in a loss to the Orioles on Tuesday, allowing four runs on nine hits in 4 1/3 innings. Lincoln walked one and struck out three. As well as he has pitched in the bullpen this season, he's been equally as bad in his first three trips through the rotation. The right-hander was victimized again by the long ball, as Mark Reynolds and Adam Jones both took him deep. With the loss, he falls to 3-2 on the season, though he still owns a solid ERA of 3.15. Lincoln look to get back on track when he battles the Indians in Cleveland on Sunday.

Pirates manager Clint Hurdle said Saturday that Brad Lincoln will make at least one more start in the Pirates' rotation, pitching Tuesday in Baltimore. Though he was roughed up in his most recent outing against the Reds on Wednesday, Lincoln has still put together a solid season (2.40 ERA, 1.07 WHIP, 31/10 K/BB ratio in 30 innings). He is worth a look as a streaming option for Tuesday's outing.