Jeff Niemann got sent to the showers early by the White Sox on Sunday, as he allowed five runs (three earned) in just 2 2/3 innings in Tampa Bay's loss.

Gordon Beckham and Paul Konerko both tagged him for solo home runs in the first inning. Niemann has now allowed five runs in both of his first two starts, and while his rotation spot is in no immediate danger, desperate times might lead to desperate measures in Tampa Bay sooner rather than later. He'd be well served to look much improved in his next outing.

Jeff Niemann allowed five runs on nine hits and a walk over six innings in a loss to the Angels Tuesday.

Not a good showing in his season debut. Niemann struck out four but was imminently hittable outside of that. The Rays' fourth starter is coming off a solid spring and facing a good lineup, so don't read too much into his opening-season struggle.

Jeff Niemann allowed three runs on four hits and a walk over four innings against the Blue Jays Wednesday.

He struck out a pair. Not a great showing, but the big right-hander was just getting his final work in before his first regular season start next week against the Angels. Niemann finishes the Grapefruit League season with a 4.29 ERA and 13/3 K/BB ratio over 21 innings.

Jeff Niemann pitched six innings and allowed five runs -- three earned -- Friday in a victory over the Pirates.

Niemann struck out six and walked none on the day. He allwed nine hits, but just two went for extra bases and they were doubles. Excluding the strikeouts, 11 of his 12 outs came on the ground, so it was a pretty good showing for the Rays' fourth starter as the spring winds down.

Jeff Niemann held the Blue Jays scoreless on four hits over four innings Wednesday.

The tall right-hander handed out one free pass, struck out a pair and induced seven groundball outs to just one flyout. If you include an early spring outing that didn't officially count among his stats, Niemann has thrown eight scoreless innings this spring. It's a good sign that his shoulder is sound after he had problems with it down the stretch last season.

Jeff Niemann tossed seven innings of two-run ball in Wednesday's loss to the Orioles.

Niemann ends the regular season with one of his better starts of the last three months. The former No. 4 overall pick was cruising along with a 2.92 ERA and 8-2 record on July 23 before a shoulder strain derailed his season. It almost cost him his rotation spot and he ends with a 4.41 ERA and 11-8 record.

Jeff Niemann could be pitching to save his spot in the rotation Sunday.

The big right-hander has allowed 23 runs over his three starts since coming off the DL. It's hard to imagine the Rays would keep walking him back out there if he continues to struggle when they have Jeremy Hellickson available.

Jeff Niemann yielded six runs over just 1 2/3 innings in Monday's loss to the Red Sox.

The big right-hander gave up four hits, walked three and surrendered a pair of home runs. Niemann has now allowed a whopping 23 runs over his three starts since coming off the DL. Is his shoulder still bothering him? The Rays have to seriously consider sticking him in the bullpen and putting Jeremy Hellickson in the rotation at this point. If Niemann does get another start, it will come in Toronto on Sunday.

Jeff Niemann was lit up by the Blue Jays on Tuesday, giving up seven runs in five innings.

You have to wonder if the Rays will give him some time off. Niemann was torched by the Angels in his return from the DL last Wednesday, giving up 10 runs in 3 1/3 innings. He was 10-3 with a 3.12 ERA in 22 starts before the injury but his ERA has shot to 3.97 in just two starts since his activation. We'd sit him down in mixed formats until we know he's well. Strained shoulders for young pitchers this late in the season coupled with a few stinker starts is enough to warrant serious concern.

Jeff Niemann was torched by the Angels in his return from the DL, giving up 10 runs in 3 1/3 innings on Wednesday.

Wade Davis was fine in his return, but Niemann, apparently, could have used a rehab start. His ERA jumped from .312 all of the way to 3.67 as he was handed his fourth loss of the season. As poor as he was today, mixed leaguers may want to be cautious about using him next week. Make sure the reports over the next three days are encouraging.

Rays activated RHP Jeff Niemann from the 15-day disabled list.

Niemann will return to the Rays' starting rotation on Wednesday night with an outing against the Angels. He had a 10-3 record and a 3.12 ERA in 22 starts before the injury and remains a fantasy must-start.

Rays pitching coach Jim Hickey said Jeff Niemann (shoulder) did "extremely well" in a simulated game Friday.

Like with his teammate Wade Davis, Hickey said that barring a last minute change, Niemann is on tap to return from the disabled list next week. As of now, he is scheduled to pitch against the Angels on Wednesday.

Jeff Niemann (shoulder) threw another bullpen session Wednesday and everything "went well," according to Rays manager Joe Maddon.

He will throw a simulated game in Oakland on Friday. Like his teammate Wade Davis, Niemann is on track to return from the disabled list against the Angels next week.

Jeff Niemann (shoulder) said "everything felt good" during a bullpen session Monday.

Good news. Niemann is expected to throw a simulated game Friday and could rejoin the starting rotation as early as next week against the Angels.

Rays manager Joe Maddon said Friday that Jeff Niemann and Wade Davis are both possibilities to return during the Aug. 23-25 series against the Angels.

The two right-handers went on the DL earlier this week with shoulder strains. Andy Sonnanstine and Jeremy Hellickson are filling in.

Rays placed RHP Jeff Niemann on the 15-day disabled list with a strained shoulder.

Manager Joe Maddon said that the team was encouraged by his MRI results, and that the stay might just be precautionary and minimal. Still, Niemann was having a career year and shoulder injuries can be tough to come back from home. Hopefully the team is just protecting a young arm with this move.

Rays manager Joe Maddon said Monday that both Jeff Niemann and Wade Davis have shoulder strains.

This isn't good news. It's not terrible news until the severity of each injury is known, but you never want to hear about shoulder woes in your starter since significant shoulder injuries are much harder to come back from than elbow issues. The fact that Maddon said that the DL is only a possibility for each may mean this isn't a huge deal, but it's still bad news for two young starters.

Jeff Niemann has been scratched from his scheduled Sunday start against the Blue Jays due to soreness in his throwing shoulder.

Andy Sonnanstine will return from Triple-A Durham to fill in. Niemann, 27, is 10-3 with a 3.12 ERA and 1.17 WHIP in 22 starts this season for the Rays. The injury is not believed to be serious, and he could definitely use a week off. Sonnanstine shouldn't be considered a fantasy option.

Jeff Niemann allowed three runs over seven innings in a win over the Twins on Tuesday night.

The big right-hander struck out four and allowed eight hits and two walks. He improved to 10-3 on the season with a 3.12 ERA. His ERA has increased in each of his last five starts and now stands at a season-high. Yeah, he's still a sell-high. But he's obviously still a must-start pitcher and will take on the Blue Jays next time out.

Jeff Niemann allowed two runs over five innings in a loss to the Indians on Friday night.

He didn't return after the rain delay, but he probably wouldn't have lasted that much longer anyway since he was already at 84 pitches. It's all part of a trend, as Niemann has failed to complete seven innings in seven out of his last eight starts. His ERA has increased in each of his last four starts and now stands at a season-high 2.95. While that's still pretty impressive, it will be tough to sell high to a savvy owner.