Niemann moved to 60-day DL: The Rays moved pitcher Jeff Niemann to the 60-day disabled list on Wednesday, just one day after he landed on the shelf. He suffered a fractured fibula on Monday. Manager Joe Maddon estimated he will be sidelined at least four to six weeks, if not longer. Niemann was injured when he was struck on the lower leg by a grounder during the first inning of Monday's game at Toronto. The right-hander recovered to make the out but walked gingerly around the mound and was checked by the trainer before finishing the inning. Niemann warmed up for the second but was unable to continue. "It's a tough break, literally," Maddon said. "The ball was not hit that sharply so I thought it just be like a stinger and he'd be able to walk it off." (Updated 05/16/2012)
Injury Report
Foot - 60-day DL. Out until at least late June (Updated - 5/16/12)
Fantasy Analysis
Niemann has posted a 3.38 ERA so far this season. He's gone 2-3 in his starts, while striking out 30 batters over 34 2/3 innings. Fantasy owners in deeper formats should keep Niemann reserved on a DL spot until he's able to return. It may be a while, so his stock will take a hit. When healthy, Niemann is a low-end starting pitcher option. (Updated 05/16/2012).
05/15/2012 21:56 Rays battle back to beat Blue Jays
David Price won for the fifth time in six starts, Sean Rodriguez homered and the Tampa Bay Rays rallied from a 3-0 deficit to beat the Toronto Blue Jays 4-3 Tuesday night.
05/14/2012 22:42 Bullpen carries Rays over Blue Jays
Cesar Ramos got his first career win after replacing the injured Jeff Niemann, and Ben Zobrist homered and the Tampa Bay Rays beat the Toronto Blue Jays 7-1 on Monday night.
05/14/2012 20:01 Rays LHP Jeff Niemann out 4-6 weeks with fractured fibula
Rays starter Jeff Niemann left Monday's game in Toronto after just one inning after being struck in the side of the food by an Adam Lind grounder. He was diagnosed with a fractured fibula and will miss at least 4-6 weeks.
05/13/2012 09:41 Top 70 starters for Week 7
A full slate of games in Fantasy Week 7, with seven games on tap for each team. Our Al Melchior breaks down the interleague implications and helps set your rotations in his SHuffling the Rotations.
05/10/2012 13:58 Beyond the Numbers: Why infield defense matters
How much does a pitcher benefit from a good infield defense? Our Al Melchior shares some observations about a few pitchers that every owner should consider in his latest Beyond the Numbers.
Through no fault of his own, Jeff Niemann found himself in a battle for a rotation spot this spring before beating out Wade Davis in the final week. With any other organization, he would have been a no-brainer -- perhaps even a top-three option -- but in Tampa Bay, he was part of a clear surplus with James Shields, David Price, Jeremy Hellickson, Matt Moore and Davis. Someone had to be the odd man out. During the postseason last year, the odd man out was Niemann, though mostly because of extenuating circumstances. He was dealing with back soreness -- an injury that also forced him to the DL for most of April and May. So if he's an injury risk, how did Niemann win it? It's not like his numbers last year were that much better than Davis'. That may be true, but keep in mind Niemann dominated when he first returned from his DL stint last year, posting a 2.15 ERA over his next 10 starts. When he's at 100 percent, he delivers top-of-the-rotation-type results, which is why he's worth a late-round pick in mixed leagues. (Updated 3/27/12)
Actual 
AccuScore Projections) Note: Points are rounded down.
= probable start