Jeff Niemann surrendered five runs and 10 hits in six innings Friday in a loss to the Orioles. Niemann likely dropped behind Roberto Hernandez in the rotation competition with the poor outing today. His velocity has been disappointing anyway, so maybe he'd be of more use in short stints out of the bullpen. A trade remains a possibility, too.

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.

Jeff Niemann allowed one run in 4 1/3 innings Thursday in the Rays' 4-3 victory over the Orioles. Niemann has a 2.13 ERA and a 9/3 K/BB ratio in 12 2/3 innings this spring. With Roberto Hernandez also pitching well and Chris Archer ready if needed, the Rays can and very possibly will move Niemann prior to Opening Day. Still, if they don't get an offer they like, they could keep Niemann as their fifth starter and stick Hernandez in the pen initially.

Jeff Niemann limited the Phillies to one run in 3 2/3 innings in the Rays' 15-7 victory Saturday. Ryan Howard's solo homer was the only damage. Niemann will almost surely be a part of some team's rotation next month, though he's expendable in St. Pete with Roberto Hernandez and Chris Archer around. He should have a little fantasy value in AL-only leagues.

Jeff Niemann allowed one run in 2 2/3 innings to take a loss Monday against the Red Sox. Niemann was pitching for the second time this spring after throwing two perfect innings his first time out. He'll probably be available in trade talks later this month if Roberto Hernandez and Chris Archer continue to impress. As is, he should probably still be considered the favorite to serve as the Rays' fifth starter.

ESPN's Buster Olney reports that the Rockies have "checked in" with the Rays about Jeff Niemann.

Rays avoided arbitration with RHP Jeff Niemann by agreeing to a one-year, $3 million contract. Niemann was arbitration-eligible for the second time this winter after making $2.75 million in 2012. The big right-hander missed most of 2012 with a broken fibula and had to be shut down in September with a shoulder issue, but he's healthy now and is expected to be part of the Rays' 2013 rotation.

Jeff Niemann (shoulder) said he's "feeling great" and fully expects to be ready for the start of spring training. Niemann missed most of 2012 with a broken fibula and had to be shut down in September with a shoulder issue that cropped up in his first start back from the DL. It appears that the shoulder is now back to 100 percent, though. Niemann is currently likely on the outside looking in for a rotation spot in 2013, but that could change if the Rays deal a pitcher for offensive help.

Jeff Niemann (shoulder) threw a bullpen session Wednesday. It's the first time he's thrown from a mound since he left his start on September 1 with right shoulder inflammation. "It was a great day. It's also bittersweet, too, to be able to say [that I'm healthy] with one day left to go [in the season]," Niemann said. "Sad and disappointing, but I'm glad we got back to the point where I'm healthy and able to throw a ball again." Niemann added that he's "really confident" he'll have a normal offseason. He could play winter ball.

Jeff Niemann (shoulder) threw off a flat surface on Tuesday afternoon and called it "progress." Niemann hasn't pitched since the first of September because of inflammation in his right shoulder. The 29-year-old starter is still aiming to return by the end of the season, but it seems doubtful to actually happen.