In speaking with Bill Chastain of MLB.com, free agent hurler Jeff Niemann indicated that he'd definitely be interested in returning to the Rays. Niemann elected free agency earlier in the week after he was outrighted off the Rays 40-man roster. He missed the entire 2013 season following major surgery, an injury that he's still recovering from. He's unlikely to make a major impact until the second half of the 2014 season.

Jeff Niemann has elected to become a free agent. Niemann was outrighted off the Rays' 40-man roster earlier this month after missing the entire 2013 season following major shoulder surgery. He's had some past success and should draw interest on the open market from teams looking for low-cost rotation options.

Rays activated RHP Jeff Niemann from the 60-day disabled list. He's now back on the 40-man roster heading into the offseason, though there's a good chance the Rays wind up non-tendering him. Niemann missed all of the 2013 season following surgery to repair the labrum and rotator cuff in his right shoulder. He's supposedly ahead of schedule but is still a question mark to be ready by Opening Day.

Jeff Niemann (shoulder) hopes to be ready for spring training. Niemann underwent surgery in early April to repair the labrum and rotator cuff in his right shoulder. He was given a 9-12 month timetable but says he's "ahead of schedule," having already started playing catch from 90 feet. Niemann said that throwing off a mound is still "too far down the road," but he's hoping to be in someone's Opening Day rotation next year. "The way things are going," he said, "the timeline really looks well for next year."

Rays transferred RHP Jeff Niemann from the 15-day disabled list to the 60-day disabled list. The move clears a spot on the 40-man roster for the newly-acquired Jeff Beliveau. Niemann underwent shoulder surgery last week and is unlikely to return this season.

Jeff Niemann underwent shoulder surgery on Wednesday. The procedure was deemed a success, but Niemann is doubtful to be able to pitch this season. He'll be arbitration-eligible in the winter and is a non-tender candidate.

Jeff Niemann will undergo surgery on his right shoulder. It's not clear yet what specific procedure he needs, but it "most likely" will be season-ending. Niemann's velocity has been down since the beginning of spring training, so the fact that he's been physically compromised isn't surprising. The big right-hander is slated for arbitration eligibility one final time this winter, but he might be a non-tender candidate.

Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times writes that right shoulder surgery for Jeff Niemann "remains likely." Niemann is being re-evaluated Monday evening, and an announcement might not come until Tuesday. However, it's looking like surgery -- likely of the season-ending variety -- is probable. It's a blow to the depth of the Rays' rotation, but they have Chris Archer and Jake Odorizzi at Triple-A if Roberto Hernandez falters.

Jeff Niemann will have his right shoulder re-evaluated on Monday. The Rays will decide what next to do with the right-hander following Monday's exam. At this point, Niemann has been diagnosed only with right shoulder soreness.

Jeff Niemann blanked the Blue Jays for six innings Wednesday, allowing just two hits. Niemann's velocity was better today, which is something the Rays definitely wanted to see. The strong outing on the heels of Roberto Hernandez's poor one has definitely added some intrigue to the Rays' rotation competition. Of course, the guy we think is the best option, Chris Archer, is being stashed in Triple-A.