Originally published July 15, 2008 at 12:00 AM | Page modified July 15, 2008 at 10:54 PM

Tim Lincecum released from New York hospital

All-Star pitcher Tim Lincecum was taken to a hospital today, experiencing dehydration and flu-like symptoms. The former University of Washington star was released from the hospital, but will not be at Yankee Stadium for tonight's All-Star Game.

By Larry Stone

Seattle Times staff reporter

NEW YORK — San Francisco Giants pitcher Tim Lincecum, the former University of Washington ace participating in his first All-Star Game, wound up at a New York hospital this afternoon.

Lincecum was experiencing dehydration and flu-like symptoms, according to a Giants spokesman.

Lincecum was released from the hospital tonight and is resting comfortably, but is not expected to be at Yankee Stadium for the game.

"It's the damnedest thing. We were leaving the hotel at 1:45 p.m. this afternoon to go to the Red Carpet Parade, and Clint [Hurdle, the National League manager] said, 'Lincecum's in the hospital,' " said San Diego Padres manager Bud Black, who is serving as one of Hurdle's coaches.

According to Black, Hurdle had just received a call informing him of Lincecum's illness from Katy Feeney, a major-league executive.

Feeney, a senior vice president of scheduling and club relations, told reporters, "I don't think it was anything major."

Lincecum, who pitched eight innings Sunday against the Cubs, wasn't scheduled to pitch tonight anyway, according to Black. He missed the National League team picture this afternoon.

"I think Clint and [Colorado pitching coach Bob Apodaca] told all the guys that pitched Sunday — Lincecum, Brandon Webb and Ryan Dempster — they would pitch only in emergencies, if it went 15 or 16 innings," Black said.

A San Francisco radio station reported that Lincecum was taken out of his room on a stretcher, but that apparently wasn't the case.

All-Star closer Brian Wilson of the Giants said, "We're talking about a kid who eats food in a crouching tiger position. I'm pretty sure he can walk."

Wilson said he believes that Lincecum has the flu.

Lincecum, 24, is 11-2 with a 2.57 earned-run average in his first full major-league season and leads the NL with 135 strikeouts.

Larry Stone: 206-464-3146 or lstone@seattletimes.com

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