Tim Lincecum struggled in his first spring training start on Tuesday, allowing three runs and failing to get through two innings against the Dodgers.

He worked with two trainers to increase his strength this offseason after going 10-15 with a 5.18 ERA last year. Despite excelling as a reliever during San Francisco's run to a World Series, the two-time Cy Young winner is once again a starter.

Lincecum gave up four hits and was done for the day with one out in the second inning.

"Mechanically, I felt really good," Lincecum said. "I hit most of my pitches, other than a slider that kind of spun out on me. I threw all my pitches. I definitely felt strong.

"It's just a good sign to feel the ball come out of your hand in a way that it didn't last year."