July 29, 2016; Anaheim, CA, USA; Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher Tim Lincecum (55) returns to the dugout following the top of the first inning against Boston Red Sox at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Tim Lincecum will wear No. 44 to honor his late brother

Originally posted on Sportsnaut | By Michael Dixon | Last updated 3/7/18

Tim Lincecum has always worn No. 55 during the course of his MLB career. But now with the Texas Rangers, Lincecum will sport a different number on his back.

Lincecum’s new number will honor Sean Lincecum, the late older brother of the two-time Cy Young Award winner.

“I plan on wearing 44 this year in honor of my brother,” Lincecum said, per Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports. “That was his number.”

Per Passan, Sean “died Feb. 22 after years of personal struggles” at 37 years old.

The No. 55 is currently occupied by another former San Francisco Giants pitcher, Matt Moore. Moore had previously noted that he would give the number up for Lincecum.

Matt Moore wears No. 55 with the Rangers and said he'd be happy to give it to the new guy, Tim Lincecum. "I don't want him to feel good," Moore said. "I want him to feel great."

— John Shea (@JohnSheaHey) March 5, 2018