/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/11112429/gyi0061073443.0.jpg)
Tampa Bay Rays starter Jeff Niemann is flying to
DRays Bay: Niemann to the DL, Gomes promoted
Last season Niemann pitched just 38 innings over eight starts as he battled multiple injuries. He missed the majority of the season with after suffering a broken leg from a line drive off the bat of Adam Lind in May. He made just one start after returning from that injury before landing back on the DL with a shoulder injury. This season, he was missing some velocity on his fastball during spring training but he was solid in spring training, pitching 24 innings with a 2.92 ERA and 17 strikeouts. Despite his performance, he lost the battle for the Ray’s final starting spot to Roberto Hernandez (formerly known as Fausto Carmona) and landed in the bullpen. He has yet to see any regular-season action due to increased pain in his shoulder since the move to the bullpen.
Niemann was examined by the Ray’s team doctor, Koco Eaton, on Friday, according to Topkin, but the results were inconclusive. Dr. Meister had repaired Neimann’s shoulder following the 2005 season when Neimann was a top prospect in the
More from SB Nation:
• Robert Ebert on baseball films
• How to get Vladimir Guerrero back into the majors
• SB Nation baseball cards: Those who can't do, relief pitch
• When the wind cried Tuffy: Why not to hit 3 home runs on opening day