After missing 3 1/2 months with a fractured right fibula, Jeff Niemann exited his start against the Blue Jays on Saturday after just 3 1/3 innings with what was initially described as right arm tightness. It turns out the injury could end his season.
According to Marc Topkin of Tampa Bay Times, Niemann is out indefinitely after an exam by Dr. Koco Eaton today revealed slight inflammation in his right rotator cuff. While he hopes his condition will improve with a couple of days of rest, he’s not sure if he’ll be able to make it back this year.
David Price, James Shields, Matt Moore, Jeremy Hellickson and Alex Cobb have been fantastic, so the Rays should be able to get by fine in the rotation, but Niemann could have been asked to make another spot start or two in September. Now that assignment would likely fall to Chris Archer, who is expected to join the club later this week.
