OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — Andrew Triggs' first major league start was a bit overshadowed by Tim Lincecum's comeback Saturday, though he didn't seem to mind.
Lincecum made a winning return to the majors, restarting his career after nearly a year away with six sharp innings and several ovations to lead the Los Angeles Angels over the Oakland Athletics 7-1.
Triggs, who did not get a decision, lasted three innings plus one batter in the fourth before A's manager Bob Melvin decided it was enough.
"We weren't going to have him throw more than 60 pitches," Melvin said. "I thought he pitched great. He takes this role and embraces it."
Triggs had one previous start in 161 minor league appearances after starting through college at Southern California.
"It's not all that different," Triggs said. "You just try to stay in the same routine."
His only blemish was allowing a solo, tying home run to Mike Trout. Melvin replaced him with Ryan Dull (1-2), who gave up Johnny Giavotella's homer that put the Angels ahead to stay.
Triggs has split this season in the bullpen for Oakland and Triple-A Nashville and was called up late this week to make the start.
"I was told Thursday night. I was able to play catch in Nashville yesterday and then flew out," Triggs said. "I'm getting used to stretching things out. I'm open to the idea of starting but right now I'm worried about getting outs."
He allowed three hits, including to Yunel Escobar leading off the game. Triggs then retired Kole Calhoun, Trout and Albert Pujols.
Lincecum, pitching across the Bay Bridge from his longtime home in San Francisco, gave up one run and four hits. The four-time All-Star struck out two and walked two.
The 32-year-old righty hadn't pitched in the majors since last June 27. He had hip surgery in September, signed with the Angels in May and made three starts in the minors.
Lincecum lacked the blazing fastball he used to win back-to-back NL Cy Young Awards, but he was still strong in his debut with Los Angeles.
After getting Khris Davis to hit into a double play in the sixth, Lincecum retired Jed Lowrie on a fly ball to end his afternoon. Manager Mike Scioscia stood on the top steps of the Angels dugout and greeted Lincecum with a handshake as he came off the field to another big cheer.
"I thought he had the same movement, the good, hard splitter down," Lowrie said. "That's all I saw from him. I thought he was the same guy. He's had success, gotten good results in the past."
TRAINER'S ROOM
Athletics: Righty reliever Liam Hendriks (triceps strain) is expected to come off the disabled list soon. Hendriks has been out since May 8. ... INF Tyler Ladendorf was optioned to Triple-A Nashville to make room on the roster for Triggs.
UP NEXT
Angels: RHP Jered Weaver (5-6) starts Sunday at the Coliseum. Weaver hasn't made it past the sixth inning in his last four outings and is 1-3 during that stretch.
Athletics: LHP Eric Surkamp (0-4) pitches the series finale for Oakland. His 8.07 ERA is the highest in the AL and third-highest in the majors among pitchers with 25 innings or more.
