Jeff Niemann Breaks Leg; Expected to Miss 4-6 Weeks

Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Jeff Niemann was hit in the leg by a comebacker off the bat of Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Adam Lind during last night’s game.  Niemann was later diagnosed with a small fracture to his right fibula and the Rays are expecting to be without their starter for four-to-six weeks.

With runners on first and second and one out in the bottom of the first inning, Lind sent a 2-2 offering back up the middle.  The ball ricocheted off Niemann’s right leg and the big right-hander went on to record the out at first.  Niemann was able to finish the inning but the Rays removed him from the game before the start of the second.

Niemann had posted solid numbers over his first six starts of the season, maintaining an ERA and WHIP of 3.48 and 1.20.

Former Rays starter Wade Davis is likely to slide back into Tampa Bay’s rotation.  Davis has been acting as the Rays long man this season, posting an ERA and WHIP of 2.04 and 1.19 over his 17 2/3 innings pitched.

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