"In everywhere but the standings, the Giants seem far removed from being a first-place club.

Their lineup is decimated by injuries, their offense is nearly nonexistent, morale is challenged -- if not shot -- and now their anchor, Tim Lincecum, is dragging in the mud again.

Lincecum had perhaps the worst start of his career, and the Giants played with lethargy behind him, almost matching up like a Triple-A club as the Cincinnati Reds smoked them 10-2 Saturday afternoon.

Lincecum's shoulders slumped as he allowed seven earned runs -- tying his career high — and failed to retire a batter in the fifth inning. He didn't record a strikeout after fanning Drew Stubbs to lead off the game. It marked a career low for Lincecum, who had struck out at least two in each of his previous 135 starts.

Lincecum had allowed as many as seven earned runs just once before in his career, June 13, 2007, against the Toronto Blue Jays.

This was his worst outing in what has become an alarmingly bad run. Whether you peg it to his 133-pitch complete game May 21 or Buster Posey's season-ending ankle injury May 25, the two-time Cy Young Award winner hasn't been the same since. He has a 7.66 ERA in his past four starts and appeared crestfallen ?in the third inning after Eli Whiteside tried to make a backhand stop on a wild pitch that squirted to the screen, allowing a run to score.

Whiteside, perhaps being exposed in an everyday role, also had more issues throwing to bases.

Giants manager Bruce Bochy said he would look to mix in backup catcher Chris Stewart more often in order to keep both backstops fresher. He dropped a hint that he would pair Stewart with Lincecum next time, too.

"But I don't think that plays a part in this, I really don't," Bochy said. "I think Timmy would tell you that, too. Buster isn't here, but Whitey does a great job with these guys."

Lincecum agreed, saying his problem is between his ears -- not behind the plate."