by Jon Paul Morosi

Lincoln, 34, has walked seven batters over his last seven innings and has enough service time that he could refuse any assignment to the minor leagues.

The fact that Lincoln cleared waivers is an indication that no other major league team wished to acquire him at his current rate of pay. But he is still able to pitch for the Reds, just as right-hander Vicente Padilla has for Texas since clearing waivers earlier this month.

Lincoln is 1-1 with an 8.22 ERA in 19 appearances. The right-hander signed a two-year, $4 million contract with Cincinnati during the offseason.