SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (MLB.com) -- Still suffering from a nagging blister on his right middle finger, Giants pitcher Tim Lincecum was scratched from a scheduled start Thursday for the second time in six days.

Chad Gaudin was set to get the start in Lincecum's place.

Lincecum, who was also supposed to pitch last Saturday, instead threw a bullpen session lasting around 25 pitches at Scottsdale Stadium before his team left for Goodyear to play the Indians.

The injury isn't considered serious, and the 28-year-old could return to game action as soon as Saturday against the Royals.

"I felt good today," Lincecum said about his bullpen session. "We wanted to see how it would hold up, and it held up."

The two-time National League Cy Young Award winner hasn't pitched since Feb. 26, when he made his Spring Training debut against the Dodgers, tossing 1 2/3 innings and allowing three runs on four hits.

Lincecum added that the blister feels much better than before thanks to the treatment he has received over the last few days.

"The blister was so deep, so we've been working to desensitize it and toughen it up," he said. "It doesn't feel like a bee sting anymore, though."

With still more than three weeks until the regular season begins, the club isn't concerned about Lincecum, but he is nonetheless itching to get back in games.

"Today was all good news," he said. "I'm definitely looking forward to getting out on the field again."