Fri 3/15/13 10:09 AM

Rays manager Joe Maddon said Friday that Jeff Niemann is not injured and he's not concerned about right hander's lack of velocity this spring. Niemann's numbers -- 2.13 ERA, 9/3 K/BB ratio in 12 2/3 innings -- have been good, but his velocity has sat in the mid- to high-80s rather than the low-90s where it normally does. Maddon is convinced the pep on the big righty's fastball will pick up, but if it doesn't, it will certainly hurt his chances at beating out Roberto Hernandez for the fifth starter job.