Jeff Niemann (fibula) could begin a rehab assignment by the middle of the week. Niemann threw a successful simulated game Friday and will have a side session Sunday. He's been out since mid-May with a broken fibula and seems likely to make at least three rehab start before rejoining the Rays' rotation.

Jeff Niemann (fibula) said his simulated game Friday "went great." The Rays might want him to throw another simulated game, but it's also possible he'll be cleared for a minor league rehab assignment. He's on track for a return in late August or early September.

Jeff Niemann (fibula) will throw a simulated game Friday. It's the last step he has to take before beginning a rehab assignment. Niemann, who has been out since mid-May with a broken fibula, will likely need 3-4 rehab starts before returning at the end of August.

Jeff Niemann (fibula) completed his first successful bullpen session on Saturday afternoon. Niemann has been sidelined since mid-May with a broken fibula, and is finally starting to make tangible progress toward a return. He's hoping to be back before the end of August. There is no word yet on whether he will be used in the rotation or the bullpen.

Jeff Neimann (fibula) played catch from 90 feet Friday. Niemann anticipates returning sometime in August, though he's not sure if it will be in the middle of the end of the month. The big right-hander has already missed much more time with a broken fibula than originally anticipated, as the Rays initially put a 4-6 week timetable on him when he went down in mid-May.

Jeff Niemann (fibula) is expected to return at some point in August. Niemann began walking without the use of a scooter late last month and was playing catch Thursday. However, there's no clear timetable for him to begin throwing from a mound. Alex Cobb will continue to hold down his rotation spot.

Rays transferred RHP Jeff Niemann from the 15-day to the 60-day disabled list. The Rays initially provided a 4-6 week timetable for Niemann, who suffered a fractured right fibula Monday, but he'll have to sit out at least two months now. The team has yet to announce who will replace him in the rotation, but it will either be Alex Cobb or Chris Archer.

Rays placed RHP Jeff Niemann on the 15-day disabled list with a fractured right fibula. Niemann suffered the injury when he was hit in the right leg by a comeback during Monday's start against the Blue Jays. The early estimate is that he'll four to six weeks, which places his return in late June or early July. No word yet on a corresponding roster move, but the Rays figure to add a reliever for now. It looks like Wade Davis has found a home in the bullpen, so Alex Cobb or Chris Archer are most likely to replace Niemann in the starting rotation.

Jeff Niemann will receive a precautionary X-ray on his right ankle. Niemann had to exit Monday's start after a line drive caught him on the ankle. It's being called a contusion right now, and it sounds like he's probably avoided a major injury, but the Rays are sending him to the hospital to be sure.

Jeff Niemann pitched fairly well against the Rangers on Saturday, allowing three runs (two earned) on five hits over 5 2/3 innings. Niemann struck out four and walked three in the game. With the loss, Niemann falls to 1-3 on the season, though he owns a respectable 3.86 ERA and a 20/8 strikeout to walk ratio through 21 innings. He'll look to right the ship and get back in the win column when he takes on the Mariners next week.