It was a surprising move that came a surprising time, but Bruce Bochy announced that Ryan Vogelsong would start Game 3 of the NLDS against the Reds ... not too far in advance of Game 2 of the NLDS against the Reds.
Tim Lincecum seemed like the logical fit for Game 3, regardless of how he pitched. But Bochy decided to do "what's right" and go with Vogelsong as his third starter.
"It's about doing what's right," Bochy said. "The way Vogy is throwing right now, he deserves to go Tuesday."
Tuesday is must-win situation for the Giants, who somehow fell behind 2-0 to the Reds over the course of the weekend.
A Reds victory on Tuesday locks in the sweep and sends the Giants home. Lincecum told Bochy he wanted to start -- of course -- but that he was willing to do whatever he needed to make the Giants go further in the playoffs.
"You go back to 2010 with (Barry Zito) not pitching in the postseason, not even being on the roster," Bochy said. "We're in agreement this is the way to go with the way things are at right now. I think it's fair to say it's been an up and down year for Timmy. He's battled himself at times, his delivery and command. It's been a fight for him all year."
Lincecum did his part on Sunday, pitching two scoreless innings in relief, giving up just one hit and striking out two batters. And who knows -- maybe Lincecum being left out as a postseason start will spark him this offseason and into the 2013 regular season.
