Tim Lincecum isn't under contract with a Major League club for the 2016 season, but Brian Sabean says a return to the San Francisco Giants is a "long shot."

Lincecum has an open showcase planned for later this month and the Giants still do plan to send a contingent.

"He'll probably look for a starting position, and we've got five starters," Sabean said. "We've got a young guy (Chris Heston) who proved himself capable in the first half, threw a no-hitter, and he's our No. 6. Our interest (in Lincecum) would be as more of a bullpen piece."