Jeff Niemann (shoulder) confirmed he still hopes to return this season. Niemann, out with an inflamed right shoulder, has resumed a throwing program. The injury didn't require surgery, but Niemann has yet to be cleared for mound work, and doesn't have a timetable for returning. He remains a longshot to contribute in the final two weeks.

Jeff Niemann (shoulder) hasn't been cleared to begin throwing. Niemann hasn't pitched since September 1 due to inflammation in his right shoulder. He's hold out hope to return this season, but is quickly running out of time.

Jeff Niemann will visit Dr. James Andrews on Wednesday for further examination of his right shoulder. Niemann has been diagnosed with a slight strain in his right rotator cuff, but the Rays are obviously thinking the situation might be even more serious. The 29-year-old is highly doubtful to pitch again this season.

Jeff Niemann was removed from Saturday's game against the Blue Jays with an apparent back injury. He lasted just four innings and threw 45 pitches (29 for strikes) before departing. The severity of the injury isn't yet known, but Niemann was shown arching his back and was immediately attended to by the training staff. We'll know more on his status when the Rays update his status later Saturday.

Rays activated RHP Jeff Niemann from the 15-day disabled list. Niemann will return to start Saturday against the Blue Jays. The 29-year-old right-hander has been sidelined since mid-May with a broken fibula. It's not clear if he'll stick in the rotation moving forward.

Rays manager Joe Maddon said Monday that Jeff Niemann (fibula, hand) does not need another minor league rehab start. Niemann made an early exit from a rehab start on Saturday, but assuming he can throw a bullpen session Tuesday, it will not have an impact on his timeline. It's not clear when he'll be activated from the disabled list, but the speculation is that he'll return when rosters expand on Saturday. Alex Cobb has pitched very well recently, so Niemann might be headed for the bullpen.

Jeff Niemann (fibula, hand) hopes to throw a bullpen session Tuesday. Niemann left a rehab start on Saturday after being hit in the right hand by a line drive, but X-rays came back negative and he said Monday that he's feeling much better. It shouldn't be much longer before he's ready to return to game action. The 29-year-old right-hander originally landed on the disabled list in mid-May with a broken fibula.

Jeff Niemann (fibula) will throw about 60 pitches in his second minor league rehab start Tuesday. If it goes well, Niemann might only have to make one more rehab appearance before rejoining the Tampa Bay rotation. He has been out since mid-May with a broken fibula. The 6-foot-9 right-hander had a 3.37 ERA and 1.18 WHIP in seven starts before going down.

Jeff Niemann (fibula) allowed one unearned run over 2 2/3 innings Wednesday at High-A Port Charlotte. He struck out three and issued only one walk. Niemann told reporters Thursday morning that he was able to work in all of his pitches and that his leg "held up well." He should be ready after two or three more rehab outings.

Jeff Niemann (fibula) will begin a rehab assignment with High-A Charlotte Wednesday. He'll make four rehab starts before rejoining the Rays' rotation. The big right-hander held a nice 3.37 ERA and 1.18 WHIP over seven starts before going down with a broken fibula in mid-May. Alex Cobb will lose his spot in the rotation when Niemann is ready.