In an expected move, the Tampa Bay Rays placed right-handed starter Jeff Niemann on the disabled list with back tightness. Niemann complained of soreness and he had an MRI on Thursday morning, with the Rays deciding that the extra roster spot is more valuable than keeping a starting pitcher day-to-day.
Rays Put Jeff Niemann On 15-Day Disabled List
Niemann was having a rough start to the 2011 season, giving up 23 runs in 31-1/3 innings over six starts. The 28-year-old was the fourth overall pick in the 2004 draft, though he has settled in as a back-of-the-rotation starter over the past two seasons.
Though the Rays are expected to use Alex Cobb in Niemann's place when his rotation spot comes up, the team called up 25-year-old outfielder Brandon Guyer to take Niemann's place on the 25-man roster. Guyer was hitting .356/.412/.606 for Triple-A Durham, and was one of the key pieces in the deal that sent Matt Garza to the Chicago Cubs.
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